Blacktail Deer Plateau cyanide seeds

please let @Takara post first! sorry about the shitty starter ajshsk

”we’re nearly there.” it didn’t take them too long to get to the plateau. issun slowed to a halt at the border. he looked back at his friend with a smile before calling for @Kavik or @Ruenna.

home. this was a foreign concept for her but she grew more and more excited as they drew closer, curious of the place her friend called home. then they stopped, his words came just before his voice rose up in a summoning howl. she joined in, allowing her much higher voice to blend with his own. okay. maybe she was too excited, it was not like he needed an echo. 

she pressed into him once more, her nose aiming to graze under his jaw, if he acted embarrassed by her not so subtle affection, she would give a soft and playful laugh before turning her attention to the borders. Not removing her chocolate fur from his charcoal fur if he hadn't pulled away that it.

lmao here we go again!

Perhaps she was too cocky. She was just under Ruenna in rank and she had put herself out there, making it known she wanted to be beta. She felt that she would get the rank one way or another. That was part of why she answered Issun's call so promptly. The other was the fact that a female joined in his summons, a cheerful sounding female. She had noticed a strange difference in her feelings toward Issun, a difference that she had once thought made it platonic but now she wasn't so sure. So when she heard that joyous chorus of Issun and another woman, hoo boy it got her a bit riled.

She strode up on scene, tail elevated to show that she was of high rank (again maybe she was feeling herself too much) and paused in her approach, gaze sharpening as she caught Issun pressed against another woman who's nose was currently running beneath his jaw. Clenching her jaw she immediately understood how Issun had felt seeing her and Corvus except instead of running off she strode up to Issun, a feminine smile forming on her maw as she leaned in and nuzzled him mere inches away from the female "Issun! Welcome home" she said and then she stepped back and turned the same smile on the female, eyes directly boring into her's. "Welcome to Blacktail Deer Plateau, how can I help you?" she asked her previously warm tone going cold and businesslike, though not exactly nasty.

Rue swallowed as she approached the group, wondering what exactly she was getting herself into here. The three of them seemed just a little too... close somehow. Like literally. Like the cocoa-pelted woman was pretty much plastered to Issun as if they were mates (who knows, maybe they are), and Minori was like.. waaaay more in their personal space than Rue would ever find comfortable herself. 

What was going on with Minori? She looked like she could be royalty, all drawn up in a show of slightly-too-posed supremacy. Minori was certainly an important wolf around here, but putting that fact on display was quite unneccessary.  One of the things that Rue admired about Minori was the easy, dignified grace with which the warrior usually carried herself. This change seemed unnatural and forced, and not to mention... what would this new woman-- possibly a new recruit-- think of such behavior? 

Rue halted a few wolflengths away from the pair. She held herself casually, with a friendly smile and wave in her tail. Her honey eyes were warm and inviting. Only those who knew Rue well would see the pull of worry at the corners of her expression. "Minori... Issun. It's such a relief to see you both recovered." Rue had done her best to care for both of the mercenaries' injuries, but both of their conditions had been quite serious and Rue was no expert. She did not like to recall how uncertain their recoveries had been.

"Hello, Miss," she addressed the cocoa lady next, with a reassuring smile. Rue dipped her head to gesture for the woman to come forward, inviting her to remove herself from Issun so that they might better have a conversation. Rue could barely see what she looked like when she was all tucked up against the man.

Minori had welcomed her already and introduced their territory, so all there was left to do was introduce themselves. "This is Minori, our Gamma and esteemed mercenary. I am Ruenna Redfern, Beta. Am I correct in assuming you wish to join our ranks?" Rue's tail twitched expectantly.

Kavik had been in the middle of a patrol when he heard Issun's call from the border. At first, he was so lost in thought that the sound didn't register; he heard it, but he didn't process that it was for him through his weird brain fog. After a few steps, he stopped, shook his head, and looked in the direction of the summons. It sounded like Issun had brought a recruit with him, and Kavik didn't want to keep them waiting any longer than he already had. 

He arrived just as the beta was introducing herself and Minori. He wondered what had provoked Minori into feeling the need to posture; the girl glued to Issun appeared to be absolutely no threat. Unless, that was exactly the problem. He didn't pry much into the private live of his packmates, but he thought maybe he had heard something about Minori and Issun. Or was it Monori and Corvus? He wasn't sure anymore. He studied his dark packmate curiously as he came to stand next to Ruenna, offering the group a dip of his head in greeting. I'm Kavik, the alpha here, he began. It seems Ruenna has already asked the important question, so I'll let you answer, he added, dipping his head once more and falling silent, his expression reserved and expectant.

takara’s affection was nothing alarming to him. she had always been the touchy feely type and he was used to that. and besides, they haven’t seen each other in years, of course they’d be close. it wasn’t a big deal. so why, he thought, did minori look so shocked?

it was a subtle change in expression. one could miss it or brush it off, but issun knew her too well to dismiss it. and on top of that, she looked a little more dominant than usual. she had never acted like that around him before. before he could ask what was wrong, she put on a smile and nuzzled him. her sudden shift of expression just left him even more dumbfounded.

ruenna came next. he dipped his head. “a good recovery because of you,” he noted, “thank you.” the warrior took a step back once kavik showed up to give his friend the spotlight.

feel free to skip me (unless someone acknowledges him)

a few things seemed to fall into place as her friend simply remained at her side, chocolate to ink, like they use to be. first was an ebony female with a curious marking over only one of her eyes, she acted as if she had owned the place and the brown girl simply stared at her as she used familiarity towards issun. she then gave an affectionate greeting to him but he had not moved away from takara, interesting. her warm tone went cold and all she could do was beam at her warmly, wondering how to set this woman off. she was not happy with issun bringing a girl home. as a test the chocolate girl gave her friend a quick nip on his ear, acting as if she was speaking to him quietly.

second, a pretty creamy looking girl came. she was friendly as she greeted them and spoke of how they looked well. huh, she felt a story coming on but she held back her question. no, what was entertaining was how she put the black girl in her place after greeting her.

minori, gamma. ruenna, beta. she was about to answer her question when another came. third, a large black male. kavik, alpha. these were all good things to know. she gave a warm smile to them all as she dipped her head in respect.

"it is a pleasure to meet you all, my name is takara. and yes, you guessed right. i would love to join you. i have been searching for issun so long, i would rather not leave. " she spoke excitedly, how fun, she got both the beta and the alpha of the pack in one swoop. she looked eager as her tail swished but she kept herself pressed to issun, even though it was now her hip at his shoulder. she did not let him escape, still afraid he would proof out of existence.

She could swear the wench was making a show of sidling up to Issun, nibbling his ear and whispering into it as she smiled at Minori. Minori's lips quivered briefly with the temptation to snap at the chocolate furred woman but fortunately for the girl Ruenna showed up and she gave the Beta a look of mixed emotion. First was surprise, then embarrassment and lastly annoyance. Her gaze smoldered hotly at the Beta before she tore her gaze away and allowed herself to be introduced. The way Ruenna mentioned her rank made her stiffen and she looked at the woman from the corners of her eyes before releasing a sigh and focusing on softening her demeanor. She knew the beta, she was kind and never tried to step on anyone's toes. She knew Ruenna didnt get why Minori was upset and pulling rank. She sucked in a slow breath and exhaled just as Kavik arrived. 


The female introduced herself and stated she would love to join, mentioning she had been looking for Issun for a long time. Minori's head swam, a burning, stabbing sort of emotion (jealousy) rising up within her. What was Takara? A sister? A friend? A long lost lover? She studied the woman for a long moment and gave a resigned sigh. It was winter and they needed as many able bodied members as possible, Issun looked happy and it softened her heart, plus the woman was sure as hell no threat to her. She would beat that sly, taunting manner right out of her if need be. So she smiled, the expression tense though no longer hostile. She looked to Kavik and Ruenna "We could always use more eager, loyal helping paws. We have lost one, others are not able to help prepare for winter" she pointed out her eyes getting a sad look as she tossed a silent prayer for Liri to get well. She turned to Takara "Do you have any skills? How is your hunting?" she asked. If Kavik and Ruenna had a problem with her asking some of the nescessary questions, she would listen to their command to step down though she wouldn't be happy with it.

Ruenna was quite taken aback when her kind words toward Minori were answered with a silent, withering glare. Rue's ears flattened in confusion. This was certainly not the first time Rue had come upon Minori at the border behaving with much more hostility than was necessary given the situation-- her reaction when Corvus returned came readily to mind. Rue had no idea what was going on in Minori's personal life, but it was concerning to Rue that whatever it was seemed to be spilling over into her professional demeanor. 

At least Issun responded appropriately to Rue's greeting. Rue's gaze shifted to the freckled man, her gratitude plain in her eyes. He was kind to attribute his recovery to her, as she had done little more than change his bandages and encourage him to rest. Rue hoped that the woman at Issun's side would prove to be as warmhearted as he was. Issun deserved to have someone special in his life, Rue thought. 

Minori had composed herself somewhat by the time Kavik arrived, so it seemed only Rue and the new girl would be subjected to her entirely unwarranted asperity. Rue shot an uncertain look toward Kavik as he nodded his greeting, hoping to nonverbally forwarn him of the confusing dynamic at play here. 

Takara introduced herself with excitement in her voice and eagerness in her eyes, and for the sake of the new recruit Rue attempted a welcoming smile. Smiling was the last thing that she felt like doing when her gamma was behaving so erratically, but she did so anyway. Such a sweet-natured girl deserved that much. 

Minori took it upon herself to respond to Takara's request, despite the presence of two leaders who outranked her. It was a bold move-- one Rue would never have made, but then again, Rue was a very different sort of wolf from Minori. Minori went on to hint at their recent misfortunes and imply that they were not yet ready to face the oncoming winter. This was not information that Rue would have divulged to a potential recruit, but it was also not a misstep that neccessitated interference. Despite any ill-treatment she received, she would not stoop to disrespecting her packmate with a public correction. 

Rue's listened quietly, her tail switching back and forth as it often did when she was irked.

The new recruit's name was Takara. He dipped his head in response to her words and was about to ask the usual questions but Minori beat him to it. He was not one to pull rank or push his dominance on anyone, and he certainly wouldn't try to stifle her assertive nature, but it was kind of his and his beta's job to assess the new members. Still, he held no irritation towards the Gamma for her boldness; it was important to have strong wolves in the pack. He gave her a half smile before saying, Thanks Minori. It was neither a reprimand nor an okay to keep asking questions, because he and Ruenna could take it from there. He too wished she hadn't mentioned their weaker packmates, but it was only a small admission--nothing that would peg them as easy pickings to any power hungry wolves looking to take over a pack.

He turned back to the chocolate female. As Minori has pointed out already, we usually like to find out what potential recruits can offer the pack first before we make a decision. That was pretty much all he was really picky about. He never worried about whether or not they were telling the truth because eventually they would have to prove themselves one way or another.

it was an interesting development, watching the workings of this pack laid out in front of her, and the tensions between each other. it was obvious that this ebony woman did not like her. It was also clear that she wanted to be higher in the ranks and was showing it in a strange way. in front of a new recruit, funny. she clocked her head to the side as she listened to the girl named minori step one veryone's toes and even give out information you do not give to an outsider. what if takara was a spy, what if this was a ploy to get information about their strength. it was not, but, what if? bad but at least it wasn't a large slip up.

her smile never wavered, her tail had taken to curlong around issun as he remained silent. the alpha spoke, kavik, she remembered the name. he made it clear they were taking over and her focus was on them solely, after giving minori a gentle smile. maybe it was a show, maybe not. 

now, what were her skills? she had gained a few since her travels, she was good in the entertainment department. singing, dancing, stories, the works. hunting was her main focus in issun's father's pack, so that was good too. "to answer minori's question, yes, i can hunt and i can fight but i have been told i am good at singing and dancing. in one of the nomadic packs i stayed in, i was their chronicler, i entertained as i told their stories and traditions. my own as well." she spoke warmly and passionately, she would love to demonstrate sometime. if they liked.

Minori knew that her words would be a bit pushy since it was questions the leaders normally asked. However she was on edge due to this female who had created a feeling within her that had really got her temper going and she wanted it to be clear that her place in this pack was of high standing whether she was beta or not. Ruenna seemed to react to this with quiet confusion and aggravation which she made note to make a conversation with the Beta a thing later on, to clear things up. Kavik much to her surprise gave her a half smile, not seeming to be bothered or proud of her stepping up. She returned his smile quickly and then finally acknowledged her place, stepping back away from the borders so that they could take over.

She was an observer now, listening to the process as she normally did. She was considering leaving when Takara mentioned she was good with singing and dancing. Though she tried to stifle it her ears perked up and a glimmer of interest showed on her face. She used to sing in her home pack before every battle to get her warriors in a calm state of mind and afterwards to soothe them. She had sung back then since she was able to mimic sounds and vocalize, that was why she had been named Minori, or Songbird. Disturbed by the fact that she had found something in common with this she wolf she backed away further "I'll leave you all to it" she said and nodded to Kavik and Liri before turning away and heading off.

Takara took in the scene playing out before her with a smile that never faltered, which was almost as mysterious to Rue as Minori's behavior. If her and Takara's roles were reversed, Rue would have been absolutely scrambling to remove herself from this border as quickly as posssible (indeed, she wished she could do exactly that this very moment). And speaking of hasty retreats, the mercenary who-- moments before-- had been eager to engage the new recruit was now withdrawing herself rapidly. Rue felt completely lost in this interaction; like she was the only one present who was missing some piece of vital information. 

Rue's ears lifted as Takara mentioned her skills in entertainment. A spark of something hopeful dashed across her otherwise dubious expression. She was a  bard? "How delightful!" Rue complimeted earnestly, "And just in time for Yule." Truly, Rue was willing to offer a home to Takara simply because Issun vouched for her. Even if the bard had no hunting or fighting skills whatsoever, it would have made no difference in Rue's opinion. If Issun was prepared to take responsibility for Takara, for be it from Rue that she should vote to keep a packmate apart from his long lost friend. The beta met Kavik's gaze and nodded, signaling her approval of the new recruit.

Takara informed them that she could hunt and fight, which was good; they could never have too many hunters and warriors. He was intrigued to hear that she also told stories and sang. Since he had no idea that Minori could sing, he was excited to have a wolf in the pack with such skills. They could all use some cheering up after the hard time they had been having recently. 

He gave Minori a dip of his head as she turned to leave, wondering why she felt the need to do so, but shrugging it off in the light of his duties here. He turned back to Takara. That sounds great. I'm sure we'd all love to hear you sing sometime, he offered. He caught the beta'a nod of approval, and was glad to see that they were in agreement that she should be welcomed into the ranks. Taking a step back to allow Issun to escort his friend across their borders, Kavik said, Welcome to Blacktail Deer Plateau, Takara. I think you'll fit in well here.