Stone Circle Just Passing Through..... or Technically Around.

Looking for, @Steady or someone else in the 'Upper Tier' of the pack for first post. After that anyone else is welcome to join.

Gray slowly padded his way north from Bearclaw Valley, over his last few weeks he had been on a constant string of getting side tracked, and lost. As a cool breeze ruffled his fur, reminding him of the rapidly approaching winter on its way, the faintest sent of other wolves caused him to take pause. Carefully he whorled around glancing off in every direction, looking for any sign of movement. As expected, there was nothing but the motion did help to release some of the tension Gray had been feeling.
 
Unhindered he continued through the sparsely wooded land, then suddenly he stopped as if hit with a tangible force. Before him was the unmistakable sent of a packs border, specifically a border that had been redefined vary recently. Not wanting a repeat of what had originally gotten him mixed up with Ryujin he back peddled a little ways, before turning to follow adjacent to the border. All the while hoping that the pack who owned the land was not so aggressive as to attack on sight.

Quick post!

Maybe it was pure dumb luck that Steady happened to be right where the stabber met their borders. Steady growled low, but was pleased to find the stranger respected their claim on the lands and moved adjacent to them instead of continuing into them.

The howl was placed and Steady made to intercept the other male, giving a chuff before he appeared through the trees. I'm Steady, Alpha here. How can I help you? His stance was donimant but not aggressive, as he waited to find out what brought the other male here.

Hopping in; I've had my eye on this one!

An unfamiliar scent on the wind had attracted Grayday as well. Any strangers near the borders put him on edge these days, and the grayscale male's strance was a bit more aggressive than his alpha's as he approach. This was not on purpose; he could not help the anxious bristle of fur down his back, nor the warning lift of his lips as he took in the stranger's scent.

He did, however, take careful note of the body language of both males. There was no aggression here except for his own, and so Day stayed behind Steady and kept his posture in check, displaying his willingness to follow Steady's cues. If the alpha needed back-up, then Day would be there. And if he didn't... well, it was better to be safe than sorry.

Sorry for the wait, I normally only post once a day. But I’ll try to be a little more active for this thread.

 
Although Gray had smelled other wolves in the area recently. He had not actually expected to run in to any. So when that howl was heard, and the quickly approaching forms of not one but two other wolves approached Gray felt as a deep well of fear began to overflow. The only sign that made Gray feel safe was the fact that they signalled instead of going straight for a takedown, this would hopefully lead to conversation over a fight.
 
To Grays relief the black wolf introduced himself as the alpha of the land, but did not show any other signs of active aggression, despite him being almost twice the size of Gray, and probably able to kill Gray without even noticing he had. The other wolf however seemed to be much more threatening baring his teeth, seemingly ready to strike at a moment’s notice. But despite that Gray had to take pause for a second as the other gray wolf showed shocking similarity’s to Gray’s berth pack, the only real difference being the lack of piercing blue eyes.
 
Gulping, but still managing to stand his ground Gray gave a very slight, and quick bow of his head before speaking. “Hello… 'Steady' was it? I mean you nor your pack harm. I am just trying to make it north.” He said trying to be seen as little of a threat as possible, but without sucking up or seeming to be just a pushover. It was then he realised that he had not given his name, worried that it may insult the alpha who so readily gave his own Gray quickly added. “I am Gray, by the way.” As he finished he nervously looked to the other wolf,  before moving his attention back to the alpha.

No worries! I'm a little slow on my posts lately.

Backup arrived in the form of Grayday, and Steady gave him a glance before turning his gaze back to the stranger. He didn't correct Grayday in his aggression since he felt it perfectly correct for the situation, especially with Althaia's murder still so fresh. He was glad he had someone here just in case things took a turn for the worst.

The stranger said he wasn't here to cause harm, but Steady knew only time would tell that. He admitted to needing to get on the North side of the territory. So, he wasn't here for a home, or for information. That didn't make the Alpha feel any better. In fact, it made him more suspicious of Gray, as he introduced himself. But, Steady would not compromise the situation by simply attacking the male. A little tactic was in order here.

As I said, I'm Steady, and this is my Gamma, Day, he replied. For the first time, Steady refrained from using his brother's full name, feeling it weird that the stranger's name was Gray and then Grayday was... Grayday. Steady didn't want to give the appearance that the similar names would create a friendship here. If you're needing to get to the other side of the territory, we'd be happy to escort you around, he offered. It wasn't really to be polite, but more to keep an eye on Gray to make sure he didn't come into the territory. Outwardly, Steady did his best to keep a relaxed, and friendly appearance. 

Day's tail twitched in greeting when he was introduced, but the male was mostly there for back-up. His expression remained closed and slightly suspcious.

The mottled wolf hardly even noticed the similarity of their names. Where Day came from, every other wolf was Gray-something. Greywind, Grayday, Graysky, Greysong - and even just plain Gray - were all very common. So much so that Day had rarely been called anything but Day for most of his life until coming to the Teekon Wilds, where it happened to be much less common.

He still generally went by Day, when it was up to him.

As Steady was talking, Gray listened closely to his words. Still very uneasy about the situation he was in, Gray started to calm down as neither of the other wolves seemed wanting to attack…  not without reason at least. Regardless Gray did not intend to find out what this strangers would be capable of if provoked. In fact, he took the mental pictures his mind was conjuring and locked them away only to be used if someday Gray ended up on the opposite side of a similar situation.
 
“Oh, no there is really no need for you to escort me. I am sure you are busy, and honestly I have no business with your pack, and no reason to enter your land.” Gray said in response to Steady’s offer of escorting him around the territory.  Then thinking about the situation from his perspective Gray realised that no Alpha would ever trust the word of a lone wolf, especially when his pack could be involved. “But, it is your territory, so do as you wish.” Gray added dipping his head in a submissive motion. Upon further consideration Gray was actually glad to be in the company of the Alpha, as he wasn’t sure how many other members of his pack may be like Grayday... Wolves who wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate a potential threat. At least with Steady around Gray would be safer than if he was on his own.

The male declined an escort, which didn't make Steady very happy, and even went as far to say he had no reason to enter the lands. The Alpha took that as little solace, as he didn't believe a word the stranger said. But, he would not outright call him a liar, as he felt it would bring unnecessary friction between them. Well, it at least would bring it out into the open.

As you wish. I hope you safe travels, then, he responded in a farewell tone. He waited for the male to leave before turning to Grayday. His voice was low, and only intended for Grayday's ears. Follow him, make sure he keeps to his word, he instructed. I'm going to head North through the territory to get ahead, but I won't be too far. Call if anything happens. Steady was not taking this male lightly, and knew Grayday wasn't either. 

With that, he headed off, northbound, to intercept the male and make sure he stayed out of the pack lands.

Last from me, unless he's needed!

Grayday nodded in assent; he'd had plans to do just that, whether it was asked of him or not. It made him feel more secure in their territory to know that Steady took these things so seriously - but he always had. Still, it was a reminder he needed after Althalia's death.

When Gray was out of sight, Day set off after him, staying hidden as he tailed the other wolf by scent and sound, and sometimes by distant glimpses.