Duck Lake Shadow of the day

[size=large] Lunar's keen hearing led her to the ducks. Her ears erect, following the sounds of quacks and splashes. She was new the area and wanted to explore the whole area in due time. As she neared the lake she paused, her intelligent eyes scanning the area, looking for any dangers in sight. She jumped to the side with a light yelp as a duck flew past her from behind, startling her. 'Stupid duck' Lunar shook herself and contimued on to the waters edge.

The sun was yet to be high in the sky as the she wolf arrived early morning. Her paws slightly sunk into the wet bank of the lake felt good. It has been awhile since she had felt at peace, and not afraid. She was sure no humans were here, she had caught no scent of such a creature at least. Lunar's head dipped down, her long pink tongue sliding past her lips to lap up some of the cool refreshing water.

The ducks quacking reminded her of the spot she used to sneak off to as a pup for hours. She would follow a trail that led to a small lake similar to this one. She would always try to catch the ducks, jumping, and running head first into the water to no avail. Those were the good days, when she had not a worry in the world and had no idea what fear was.

Lunar growled at the ducks. 'Maybe just for old times sake...' She stood frozen a moment before taking off across the shallow end of the water. Small bounds and leaps at the ducks had water splashing everywhere. She knew that she probably looked like a fool but she did not care, she was having fun. The water soaked into her fur weighing her down a bit causing her to slow. At a last attemp she leaps as far out as she can into the lake, snapping at a duck managing to pull a few feathers out. Lunar was not trying to kill the ducks, rather just play with them. She was 3 years old but still liked to play like a pup when she got the chance.[/size]

Whoever this was, she was far, far away from Silvertip Mountain. That makes seven, Bazi thought to herself, adding the stranger in her sights to the mental count she had of wolves that now belonged to Jinx. The fresh scent of distant mountain was thick on her, and from her vantage point downwind, disguised by thick shrubbery, it was easy to identify.

She debated whether or not it would be appropriate to call Fox, or Njal - Duck Lake was perilously close to the Creek borders, but Lunar both alone and far from home. And by the looks of things, she wasn't hunting.

Bazi emerged from her hiding place with a woof to catch Lunar's attention. Ferdie ensured that she was always freshly groomed, and today was no different - she shone like a cloud that had been anchored to the ground. By contrast, Lunar was the colour of rich, fertile earth.

"You're far from home," Bazi called down from the banks, tail raised high but wagging. She cocked her head to the size, smiling at the messy spectacle going on in the water. "For your own safety, you should know there's a pack very close by."

[size=large] Lunar barely heard the woof over the sound of her legs furiously paddling her back to the bank, but it instantly caught her attention. Her bright eyes caught site of the pure white she wolf, as she stood out clearly against the scenery. Once her paws hit land, she shook herself out, water droplets flying every which way off of her body. Lunar studied the she wolfs stance before responding. "My name is Lunar. I am new to the Silvertip Mountain pack...well new to the area in general. I did not know there was a pack near by"

She sniffed the air trying to catch the females scent but was unable to, due to Bazi being downwind. "Thank you for the warning miss but i am very much in my right. I have not stepped a paw over border. I pose no threat to any pack nor wish to step on any toes." Lunars head dipped slightly, as her tail slowly wagging in a friendly manner. [/size]

Bazi shook her head. "I know you are," she assured the stranger, emerging fully from her hiding place. "You're alone, and your pack is a long way from here. You're with Jinx, right?" The banks of the lake were soft and clay-like. Bazi pushed her paws into the soft ground, enjoying the sensation of soft, silky earth between her toes. She had neglected Duck Lake, mostly because the prey it offered didn't interest her - there was something foul about fowl.

Lunar leaned back on her haunches to sit, the ground underneath her becoming soggy wet from her still drenched fur. "Yes i am. Iris recruted me just yesterday. And you?" Her ears twitched back briefly as a bothersome fly zoomed around her face, drawn by the musty scent of water and mud. "May i ask your name?" She noted the Bazi kept very good care of herself, and seemed a little uptight, maybe just maybe should bring out the puppy in Bazi and have a new friend. Lunar knew well enough some wolves are forbidden to have mates or friends out of their pack, but she would be willing to take a chance.

"Lunar. Hi. I'm Bazi," she replied, indicating over her shoulder. "I belong to Swiftcurrent Creek - the pack just there, where the creek cuts through the plains." A lack of natural boundaries made it difficult to establish exactly where the borders where, but the pack made sure to keep the scent boundary fresh.

Lunar seemed.. chilled out, was probably the best way to describe her; unconcerned about her proximity to the Creek, but respectful of its existence nonetheless. That, coupled with being on her home turf, relaxed the Gamma somewhat - she approached the darker wolf and extended her nose both to sniff and offer her scent in return. "Why have you come so far?" she asked, throwing the now stressed flock of birds a quick glance. "Do you just really like ducks, or are things unhappy at home?"

OOC: Sorry for late reply and any typos. My screen shattered and its hard to see what i type.

IC: Lunar extended her nose to take in her scent aswell. "Well i just like to explore my surroundings and take note of where everything is and what is around. I dont know im weird i guess." She showed her front teeth in a goofy smile. "Nothing is wrong at my pack's territory. Although i have not met anyone but my Alpha and Recruiter" Lunar turns back to the ducks, and lets out a small bark(laugh). "As for the ducks, its just something i used to do as a pup. I would sneak from my den to try and catch one to impress my parents but never got close. Its been years since i have attempted to catch them. And to be honest i have never ate one. What brings you here? You look too clean to be much of a explorer."

No worries!

The probing yielded nothing, but Bazi was not deterred. Lunar was a very chatty wolf indeed, and one to keep on the books. The fact that she had only met two individuals so far was not unusual in the Teekon Wilds, but it did make it difficult to foster loyalty in new recruits.

Bazi concluded the business segment of their encounter with a small barking laugh to complement Lunar's, and swanned towards the gently lapping shores of the lake. "Don't judge a book by it's cover," she said, and leaped straight into the lake with a loud yowl and a huge, messy splash. The ducks had retreated to deeper waters, but nevertheless quacked their displeasure.

Bazi emerged with a gasp some meters out, spitting water and paddling to stay afloat. "I just have a very diligent groomer!"

OOC: I hope you do not mind my intrusion!

IC: She heard the familar splashing and quacking of ducks and smelled the lake long before she reached it. The skinny black wolf's tail wagged slightly as the lake and its waterfowl inhabitants came into view. She had a taste for waterfowl, something she picked up from her old pack Les Fantômes. Ducks were her particular favorite, geese had a fattier, richer taste she appreciated as well, but herons and cranes? Ech! Dégoûtant!

The slightly muddy ground squelched underneath her paws as the lake grew closer. A grove of aspens clustered around one side of the lake, providing shade for visitors who chose to stop by. Erika knew that she was encroaching on or near a pack's territory, but she didn't worry much about it. She would scare them off with the right side of her face which she called: le crâne vivant.

Before she reached the edge of the lake, she saw two wolves, one female with an interesting coat splattered with brown, white and black, and another female with a pure-white one, who had just jumped into the lake. Not wanting to frighten them, Erika approached the wolves with the normal side of her face, which some would call beautiful. "Bonjour mademoiselles." She said politely before bending her head down to lap the lake's waters.

OOC: anyone is welcome :)

IC:Lunar decided to hold her tomgue about her displeasure regarfing her Alphas tyranical ways at least for now until she could fully trust Bazi There was something about her that seemed genuine but she has learned in tje past that looks can be misleading. It was notjing against Bazi, she ratherbenjoyed her company

Lunar got splahed by the wave of water that sprouted up as Bazis frame hit the water. She wagges her tail and crouched about to join her in the water but paused as she semsed a wolf near. Erikas voice sang out to her l. Lunar turned her head to see the wolf that had spole. "Hello?" Her head tilted unsure of that odd accemt and language she apoke. "Sorry if i splash you miss feel free to join us. Is it okay Bazi?" At the emd of her sentencr she laumched herself, her muscle toned hind legs pushimg her far oht. Body streatched out completely she accifentally does a body slam. 'holy hell ouch!!!!!" Lunars legs paddled fiercly carrying her to the surface.
With a short laugh she paddles towards Bazi. "Nice jump! You made it farther than me!" Sje guessed her weight pulled her jump short compared to her new found friend.

OOC: Bazi is out for the moment, she said we could keep going, but keeping Bazi vague and in the background.

IC: Erika's pink tongue swiped the surface of the lake, whose waters tasted somewhat like waterfowl. The multi-colored wolf, the one who still remained on the bank, asked her if she would like to jump in the water and join them. 2 years ago, she probably would have, but the last two years have twisted her face, and therefore almost destroying her sense of fun. She would have to decline.

"No thank you mademoiselle," she answered, her accent thick as she fumbled around the unfamiliar language. "I would rather sit on the sidelines, if zat pleases you." Erika backed up, trying not to reveal her disfigurement to the wolf, who had jumped playfully into the water with the white wolf. There was no point in ruining their fun. Besides, it was spring, a time of happiness, peace, and renewal. Let them enjoy the cool, slightly warm waters of the lake. She was perfectly content watching them.

Pardon the delay - out with family, and the site was down last night.

The water was refreshing, and Bazi missed both Lunar's question and Erika's arrival when she executed a deep dive into the water. She resurfaced in time to see Lunar collide with the surface of the water, and winced at the sound. "Nice jump! You made it farther than me!" The Creek wolf shook her head, dismissing the compliment with a smile. "That was just luck."

At this point, she spotted the newcomer on the bank. Lunar accepted the other female's presence as if it were nothing, but Bazi was on home turf - and nervous about anyone that ventured anywhere near the Creek. "Hi there," she greeted the stranger from the water, keeping her tone neutral. The water had plastered her luxuriant pelt to her body - if she bristled instinctively, nobody would notice. "You sound.. different," she went on, paddling slowly back to the banks, looking back at Lunar with a 'Come on, let's investigate this one' look. "Are you with a pack?"

Lunar winced as she followed Bazi put of the water, her stomach sore from the force of the landing. Each step aching a bit, but not overwhelming pain. i wonder where she came from' Lunar wondered about the new slate black she wolf. She spoke with such a accent that lunar has never heard before with words just as foriegn. It sparked her curiousity greatly.

Sensing and seeingbthe slight change in Bazi's stature, she followed suit. Lunar had no business with Bazi's pack but she did have Bazi's back if things turned to the worse. Erika did not seem to pose a threat to the territory bounarues just as Lunar posed no threat

Her stature was more relaxed with a wagging tail acompanied by erect attentive ears. She politely held her tongue as Bazi spoke to Erika, respectful of her role.

The night black wolf tensed as the two others came out of the water and approached her. Though they were only curious, the instincts that were created by months of being a loner and the instincts given to her by her mother told her to be tense just in case she had to flee. But, she inherited more of her father's cool demeanour than her mother's skittishness.

"Non, mademoiselles. I am not part of any pack. I come from far away, a place zat borders a different ocean I believe." The Canadian wolf replied simply. She only wished to satisfy their curiousity without revealing much about her past. The scarred wolf knew from experience that telling her whole life story was not beneficiary to a lone wolf such as herself.

From the smell on them, both the wolves were from packs, two different ones. She smelled a particularly familiar scent on the white wolf. After taking in more of the scent, she concluded that the white wolf was of the pack whose territory she was now on. The other, younger wolf was of a different pack. One that smelled of the mountains; a pack that she was considering joining.

yoyoyo what's uupppp my peeps!

The day had been pleasantly calm among the rolling hills of Swiftcurrent's territory. Often times it was a serene place... an Eden amongst the vast Rising Sun Valley nestled East of a mountain range. Fox's territory was made up of equal parts grassy knolls and forested scrim which was habituated by copious prey and lush vegetation. It was a place worth protecting... worth fighting for despite the abandonment of its signature Beta, Jinx. The memory of the imposing specter still drifted in Tuwawi's mind, but never did she expect to scent the misty aroma so close to their borders.

Tuwawi was on patrol when the essence of a wolf from the West reached her attention. It was familiar. Silvertip had once been her own home under the command of Tartok's Alpha, Tonravik. Now, in thanks to the dutiful scouting of Swiftcurrent's best, it was discovered that the land had been claimed by the ambitious Kesuk. The pungent musk of mountain and Mambo was soured upon Tuwawi's leather, and her nares flared at the slightest whiff of the rival pack.

The fact that this scent came from the East did not help its cause. Duck lake had seen its fair share of visitors recently, and this fact agitated Tuwawi. It was a body of water within close proximity — practically on the precipice — of the creek and it acted as important resource to the wolves who called this place home. Prime hunting grounds teemed with life, and to think that their rivals and enemies loitered so nonchalantly was reason enough to defend it, especially from those of established packs. They could tolerate a passerby now and then... but first the Vale and now Silvertip?

A statement had to be made.

At this thought, the Sveijarn set out to intercept the vagrants and once again secure the lakeside purchase in Swiftcurrent's defense. As she cleared the treeline, three wolves of distinct color and origin came into view. Tuwawi perceptively levied the situation. Bazi, kin to the creek, appeared to be mitigating the others. The obsidian woman was of unknown origin, and the dusky one was undoubtedly apart of Jinx's crew. Immediately Tuwawi broke into a canter, lofty posture and bristled mane demanding authority upon her hot approach. Only a few moments passed before she intercepted their circle of conversation, unabashed as she broke it without consent.

Roughly, Tuwawi brushed against her pack mate's damp shoulder. A sooty tail waved stiffly in an uneven cadence as her expression became the antithesis of Bazi's more genial visage. "You wander too close to Swiftcurrent," Tuwawi's assertive voice rumbled a warning from her lowest chords as she addressed the two strangers, attention especially fixated on the Silvertip wolf. Stiff limbs planted the cardinal streaked woman fixedly and it was obvious, by the strong body language and crass tone, that Tuwawi wanted them begone.

Bazi's experience with wolves that wandered close to the Creek had been far more pleasant than what Tuwawi had suffered through recently. Most were loners, like Erika, and ripe for picking - it wasn't long since she had spoken of the Creek's strength to an older male in an attempt to woo him into joining, but he had asked for patience and had yet to show up at the borders to try his luck with Fox. Seeds sown now would yield strong roots in winter, when roots were needed.

Bazi emerged not seconds before the fiery female loped in, and returned her friendly touch with a soothing lick to the shoulder. She wanted to tell her that these wolves were peaceful, that they were far from home, and alone, and not a threat - but there was no point. Past experience had made Tuwawi nervous - and it wasn't proper to fraternize with a Silvertip Mountain wolf, however fresh and naive to her situation that wolf was. She red woman had it right, though Bazi couldn't let go of the feeling that an ally within Silvertip would serve them better than a scorned Duck fan.

"It might be best if you leave," she told Lunar in a gentler tone than the one offered by her pack-mate, moving to stand by Tuwawi's bristling shoulder. "You have no kin here, and if you make my family nervous.. I side with them, even if you meant no harm." Sorry, she wanted to add, but settled for "Your own alpha would do worse, on ground much further from her borders." Lunar didn't seem like the type of wolf that would fit in well with a gang of territorial grunts, and Bazi wondered if she had joined Silvertip Mountain without really knowing what was on the other side of Jinx's borders.

"And you - are you here to try your luck at the borders?" This was directed to the wolf with the strange voice.

Lunar watched the russet wolf pad over to them. She initially wagged her tail in a friendly greeting but the posture of Tuwawi, instantly put her on edge. She posed no threat nor harm or disruption to the area. ' What the heck is wrong with this woman'

Bazi's actions and words caught her off guard. Lunar backed up wode eyed in shock. She thought the cloud white she wolf was her friend. The shock faded quickly and she silently cursed herself for believing that Bazi was different. Lunar's ears laid flat against her head, her body rigid and her head held high. A low growl of words escaped her throat as she glared at the two, russet and white. "I pose no threat nor harm to this land, yet i get bullied for merely enjoying its beauty and fresh waters." Her gaze turned to Baxi, hurt shown in her eyes slightly veiled by distrust and anger

"I thought you were different Bazi. And to think...I was going to.." her voice trailed off as she bother not even telling her of her plans of a meeting for a possible alliance with her Alpha Jinx.Or even possibly leaving Silvertip. This made her decision, she would swear her loyalty to Jinx. Lunar shook hersel, trying to shake off the stupidity she felt. "No wonder why Jinx hates your pack.." She let out a huff and turned away, her paws carrying her at a trot away and out of the area for good.

Lunar learned a valuable lesson, after all the months of searching she thought she finally found a kind soul like herself, but was only met with betrayal. She would never return to this so called free land. Lunar now understood Jinx and her decisions now, at least to a point. She vowed necer to be careless again...this was why she put on a charade and not let anyone near. Lunar's splotchy colored fur and scent slowly drifted out of view and off of the wind.

The half-mangled wolf softly growled as another wolf came nearby, this one a lot more threatening. "You wander too close to Swiftcurrent." The new wolf said. The golden eyes blinked calmly and hid the sudden fear she felt. "I did not know I was trespassing on your territory. I 'ave never 'eard of such a pack. I did not know zey occupied zis land. You will 'ave to forgive me, Madame." The French-Canadian hissed softly. She rose, staring at the two wolves who stood side by side: packmates. The white wolf, now in the presence of one of her pack mates, lost all of her friendliness and curiousity from before and became threatening like her friend. She said something to the dusky-colored wolf that smelled of Jinx's mountain pack. The wolf looked upset and heart-broken, saying "I thought you were different Bazi." and something else before slinking away.

Erika turned her head straight towards them, letting them gaze at the naked, puckered skin, the darkened scars and bruises. It was all a ruse to get them far away from her. "Non, mademoiselle. I am not 'ere to join your pack. I was 'ere to relax and enjoy ze scenery, per'aps even 'unt ze ducks. But it seems I am not welcome."

Fear was a permeable scent not easily hindered by invented masks of confidence or bravery, and even though the two migrant women feigned composure, it was clear their resolve had been shaken. Trepidation ousted their bluff with unmistakable signals, such as a subtly bending ear or an uncomfortable shift, as they began to fold under the intense stare of the haematic Sveijarn. Her want, her need, to chase and expunge these outcasts was great, but the soft touch of her gentler kin quelled the need to do so immediately. It offered a brief respite from the dominant woman's threat, though her tail lashed wildly in protest. In spite of her desires, the fireblood would not undermine her comrade's penchant for civility, but rather assist it to unearth the true nature of the canids who so heedlessly skulked near Swiftcurrent's base.

Bazi began the official interrogation, though her accent was apologetic as if to preserve the objective nature required by an Outrider. Despite the calm delivery of her queries, the Silvertip wolf became visibly upset. It was obvious she felt slighted as vivid expressions of indigence and anguish creased her sepia features; ugly emotions befitting such an ignorant woman. The facts remained: she ran with Silvertip and dared to wander close to her rival's borders. To think she could stray without contest was unimaginable to the creek's Iota... a wolf of even basic sense would know wiser.

As if to perpetuate this already unflattering opinion, the mountain wolf spouted a poignant address. Unfortunately, her words were inconsequential to the unblinking Tuwawi, who felt unmoved by such a paltry speech. Even the final claim of Jinx's detestation for Swiftcurrent fell on deaf ears, and for the first time Tuwawi pitied the blooming alpha who appeared to endure such insufferable company. Bazi had it on the nose... The Mambo had never tolerated such insolence as Swiftcurrent's Beta, and it was known this trend continued within her new mountain claim. Truly, Jinx would be disappointed if her previous pack mates undid all the work she had crafted, and now it was up to Njal, Bazi, Ferdie, Jace, and Tuwawi to sustain these high standards set by the seaborn Kesuk. Regardless, this careless accusation would be reported to Fox.

A toothy, ornery sneer was all Tuwawi expressed when Lunar abruptly turned to leave the lakeside, happy to have abolished one of the strays. She looked to the dark waif now, vermilion shoulders rolling as her patience began to wane. This one was slower to become heated, which offered a moment to scrutinize her figure. Slender cheeks and luminous ochre eyes were the only redeeming qualities buried beneath a horrifically gaunt body and half disfigured head. Velvety onyx hair hung limply across her skeletal frame, and the ember wondered if disease was what blighted this ghostly jetsam. Even if she had shown the slightest interest to join their ranks, Tuwawi would have opposed it. Swiftcurrent needed strong, able bodies... not half-starved hounds to leech off their resources. Recently (by some unchecked passion for mercy) they had accepted a young, emaciated, handicapped half-yearling... and that alone was enough to cause unrest within the expectant mother. Two infirm wolves would be double the maintenance.

Though, at least this one still had all her senses intact and could probably hunt.

Thankfully, this unfortunate beast had no intention to apply for a rank within the valley pack. Without any cause to allow this specter to linger a moment longer, Tuwawi took an intrepid step towards Erika, past Bazi's position. Her tattered lips peeled away to unsheathe rows of sharp fangs. "No, you are not," her voice quaked pointedly as every muscle became spring-loaded, prepared to give chase should this wolf choose to not depart by her own free will. "Leave. Now." were the final commands; supremely resolute in their diction.

No second chance would be offered.

And that was that. Lunar seemed to take it very personally, rattling off a load of nonsense before turning tail and heading for home. "Different?" she muttered within earshot of her pack-mate. "Not prioritizing family, like some kind of earth worm?" Bazi felt no remorse for changing her colours so suddenly. The visitors had been friendly, alone, and potentially useful - the cotton-white Gamma had nothing to gain from chasing them off or showing aggression, as long as she they did not linger beyond their interaction with the Creek resident. But Tuwawi wanted them gone, and she took priority - always.

The Silvertip wolf disappeared quickly. Jinx would have her hands full with that. If Bazi ever came across the territorial mountain alpha, she would tell her as much - if she didn't loathe Swiftcurrent, as the departing female claimed. The most recent reports suggested that she and Fox had parted amicably - or as amicably as was possible - and Bazi wondered how strong her apparent hatred was; and why Jinx would share just that opinion with someone so new to her pack. It was useful information nonetheless, and for that she thanked the now nearly invisible stranger.

Erika remained, but likely not for long. If the rangy female met Bazi's eye, she would nod, confirming what Tuwawi had snarled. Up close, the loner was painfully thin and strangely maimed - solitude had not served her well, and Fox was not likely to take on such a poor candidate. "I would run," she told her, indicating at Tuwawi with a sideways nod. "My good sister is losing her patience."

"Fine, mademoiselles. If you insist." she growled. The black, emaciated wolf stared the two wolves. It felt almost...wrong to barricade other wolves from such a lovely place. Some places should not be held behind borders. But, this pack chose to take this place as their own. And she was in no mood for a fight by refusing to leave.

The former Fantôme turned away, heading west, following the Silvertip Mountain wolf, back to the pack she would soon join.

It was unlucky for Erika, whose status and condition posed little threat to the healthy Creek pack, that the Silvertip recruit casually lingered with little regard for the implications of her nearness. As a result, the half-face had become a victim of Tuwawi's tirade, who had been keen on eradicating any and all threats from the surrounding locale. The ire she felt was difficult to smother once present, incited by the distinct flavor of exotic alpine upon the breeze, and it made Tuwawi tenacious in her conquest. Perhaps if the situation had been different, the cardinal Sveijarn would have been more accommodating towards the lone wolf's plight... but of course, this had not been the case.

Bazi selflessly abandoned the fragile link she had formed with these wolves to support her companion's endeavors. Eloquence was the weapon of choice for the pale Outrider, words emphasizing the physicality Tuwawi projected. Swiftly, the Swiftcurrent pair left no alternatives for Erika to advance, unaware of her intentions to pray fealty to the mountain alpha. As a result, no challenge was issued by the swarthy wolf, who instead resigned to depart with only a vexed look of sincere displeasure. Many moments passed in silence as they watched her disappear into the horizon, and only when the black speck became impossible to recognize did Tuwawi come down from her heightened mood.

Slowly the adrenaline ebbed away as her tangled hair draped haphazardly across its fire-brushed spine. Tuwawi's body visibly relaxed, jaw loosening, while she exhaled to diffuse the remaining tension wrought within herself. A simple lick across the leather of her nose was the final calming signal, before she turned to Bazi to meet her partner's clear gaze. There was no remorse in those tempestuous silver eyes — the Sveijarn did not regret the actions she had committed, and though Bazi supported her behavior, she could not tell if the yearling truly condoned it. A few swaggering steps brought the women together once more, and Tuwawi forcibly pushed her muzzle into Bazi's mane to coarsely rake through lakewater hair. It was an affectionate gesture, though perhaps too rough... but the moment called for it.

The pleasing bouquet of fresh water cause her to linger at Bazi's side as Tuwawi's weight leaned into the more slender wolf. A quiet and contemplative look shrouded her features, now.... deeper thoughts spurred by the encounter. Many things swam in her mind.

"Mm, my sister," she hummed, reciting what Bazi had named her. The women of the creek seemed to share a unique bond, nearly equal to relatives of blood. "I could not let them stray so close," she said as she began to offer some insight into her motives. "The pack... this season... the Vale and Silvertip are rivals. They need not wander so far from their claims... so near to our home." Tuwawi's thoughts were gruff and malformed, though the phrase this season hinted at her true objective. Within the month she would not be able to defend their lands so adeptly. Other responsibilities would soon become priority.

Relax and enjoy the scenery? Sure, sure. Bazi watched Erika depart, noting with interest that she followed the path of the Silvertip wolf. No wolf except Galileo had ever convinced Bazi that the lone life was anything but painful, and she would bet her tail on the dark skeleton would attempt to join forces with Jinx. "That makes eight, or thereabouts," she murmured out loud, adding a tentative strike to the tally of wolves that followed the mountain.

Tuwawi's forceful show of affection nearly knocked Bazi off balance. She braced herself against the red-caped woman, turning back on herself to lick the side of her pack-mate's face liberally in return. At the raw, unedited explanation, she nodded to show that the motives were understood. "They were too close - you were well within your right. That brand new Silvertip wolf had a loose mouth. I wanted to take advantage of it, and find out how they're faring," she said by way of explanation, "Eight individuals now, if we count that rangy-looking thing that followed her out - and apparently, Jinx hates us.. but that might just be posturing from a newbie." Bazi shook her head. Jinx seemed like a woman of very particular standards, and neither Lunar nor Erika seemed her 'type'. They were not like Sitri, Lecter, and Ira, but perhaps that would change. "We get a lot of loners around here, I've noticed - good for recruiting, less good for our safety. That Xi'nuata from the Vale visits the meadow more than she ought to, and now a wolf from the other side of the mountains. I'm starting to worry about our lack of natural barriers."

Perhaps it was natural to feel a special closeness with the women in a tribe, united by both the woes and advantages of the female gender. She shared the same relationship with Fox, who had become a fast friend and trusted leader as the spearhead in Swiftcurrent. Even young Bones had a certain draw that was both fascinating and compelling. Maybe it was Tuwawi's status as eldest woman (dare she say matriarch?) that made her feel this way, driven by instincts to establish solid connections. On the other hand, Ferdie and Jace were good men, but her opinion of them was not the same... not like her sisters. It was not an especially pragmatic trope, but one that was distinct.

Every touch reinvigorated their relationship and welded the unlikely sisters of the creek closer together. These bonds were important to Tuwawi who yearned for strong familial links within the pack despite her gruff, wildling nature. Almost a year of ceaseless travel had exhausted her physically and mentally, and the many crumbling packs left a great void of draining disappointment. Yet the past two months had been a blessing of stability and Tuwawi would be damned to see it shaken. Her undying propensity to protect Swiftcurrent was righteous, however selfish. And now, as a woman with child, her tolerance for any hazard or menace was nonexistent.

Eight? Tuwawi pondered as she rooted around in Bazi's fur, not knowing what she counted for, though it became clear as it was explained. The Sveijarn listened how the Outrider had hoped to obtain some nugget of information from the dusky Silvertip female. "That one is a fool. Jinx will ruin her," Tuwawi snarked, unimpressed by the sheer lack of emotional restraint and territory know-how. At the very least, she had left without too much of a fuss. "I doubt what she said about Jinx is true. Swiftcurrent has done nothing to warrant it," the ember said with a huff, "Kesuks are different... not so.... shallow.... But we should tell Fox all the same."

The Sveijarn lifted her weight off Bazi and eeked away, though the gap between them remained small. At the mention of Xi'Nuata, her red hair spiked and dotted brows narrowed pensively in a clear a look of begrudged agreement. What Bazi said was true. The creek was just a patch of land smack dab in the middle of rising sun valley. It was not the Vale. Nor the Plateau. Nor the Ridge. Nor the Mountain... any could easily cross a scent mark if they chose, unhindered by the Earth's flat shape. The water drew visitors, too... both the good and the unsavory.

"So am I," she concurred, though nothing else was added. How could they better secure their claim? "We must be firm," was the only suggestion. The pack could be aloof at times, and if they truly wanted to keep intruders at bay then it was necessary to make it clear no wolf could come near their borders without consequence. Tuwawi sighed, a bit frustrated by the trivial thoughts. "Come... let us find Fox," she suggested as she turned to look back in the direction of the creek, eager to leave the lakefront in favor of their comfortable home.

"Tyrande, too," Bazi mused, thinking of the sweet, black wolf that had prostrated herself so readily at the smallest sign of kindness from her Creek adversary - despite belonging to Silvertip Mountain. She understood why Jinx was so territorial now, and didn't doubt that finding Creek wolf scents in the forests that bordered her claim would aggravate the already tetchy alpha. Bazi had scarcely crossed to that side of the Teekon Wilds since her encounter with Tiarnán - certainly not without an escort.

"Come... let us find Fox."

Bazi nodded - if they were to take a firmer stance against wolves visiting Duck Lake, she wanted the decision to be backed by authority. The wetlands were unpleasant to most, and therefore less of a concern, but the lake offered food, water, shelter, and play. She kept close to her pack-mate on the way home, throwing regular looks down the path taken by Silvertip wolf and her foreign stalker. They were gone.

Fade! :) I'd love a Tuwawi thread about Bazi's run-in with Tiarnán; she is the one with the most man experience. ;)