Herbalists' Cache after the fire

It would be a lie to say that he wasn't growing restless. The past few days had brought news of not just one, but two packs planning to make their home close to Legion. It was not his call to make, and yet Kaertok was beginning to feel like Arbiter and Terance weren't up to the task. In the month since he had been pledged to them, they had failed to pick up a single new recruit. Terance had not even made an effort to get to know Kaertok.

The Tartok's patience was wearing thin, so he took it upon himself to blow off some steam by getting out of the immediate area. Maybe a good long roam would settle his restless nerves. He made his way to what he imagined was a rather thriving little place during the warmer months, although right now it was rather barren.

guess who
messed up timeline just a bit going to make this event shortly after this thread

The thoughts plagued the golden wolf, as it was far to crowded to her liking. As dreamy was the maplewoods were; she knew that Uriel had to be realistic, and think of not only herself, but those she would soon take under her wings. Especially with those so large, as well as territoral, not even tolerating those near. She of course, still held a bit of reluctant over the fact of losing the first home that was chosen, as well as bitterness toward the white dragon; she needed to remember why she was here. To be reborn, to become anew. A phoenix rising.

Though not only to find a place to claim, Uriel mapped the area, perhaps that would've been more wise to do before settling. To know who, and what was around, to find her Sanctuary. So the wolf walked, finding an area that she thought alike to a familiar wolf, that it would be a beautiful area if not for winter.. Though the scouting of terrian was short, for Uriel spotted a oh-so familiar wolf. She froze, feeling bristled.

Here, away from territory he was meant to protect, Kaertok was a different wolf in many ways. More pleasant, more forgiving, and generally easier to get along with. A rustling of snow alerted him to the presence of the wolf he had bested just days before, and after a quick glance at her, he continued on his path. It did not seem that she meant to claim this land (yet). Even if she had, he would not have cared. It was well away from Legion and no longer his concern. Some might hold a grudge for such things, but it was wasted energy in his eyes.

He remained aware of her presence even after he continued on his way, knowing that some wolves did hold a grudge. This one in particular seemed the type, although he'd been wrong before. So long as she did not attack, he would remain as he always was as a ranger: calm, collected, and neutral.

She of course, was one of those wolves- though oh so desired to not be. A moral and personality conflict she strived to seperate and release. It was surprising that he did not strike any hostile aroma, "Why do you not attack?" Uriel immedietly asked the other, wary to who he was. Maybe a second battle would rid her mind of contempt, but she couldn't be sure. He had attacked because of 'Legion' for being far too close, even out here could be considered close on who determined their borders.

So the question remains; why does he not attack the phoenix like the dragon he previously was?

He didn't understand why she cared. In classic Tartok fashion, he certainly didn't care. What she did out here did not matter to him, and her question hardly begged for an answer out of him. She had fought him well, though, and he could respect her for that much, even if she was an idiot in all other regards. Physical strength was more of an asset to him than anything else in this wild, crazy world.

You are far from Legion now, as am I, he answered simply. You fought well. Legion could do with another capable fighter. Kaertok's mood had shifted considerably since their last encounter. Context was everything, and now the mood had turned in an entirely different direction. Instead of sizing her up as an opponent, as a threat, he was now wondering if she might find a place among them.

A guard, a warrior, a dragon, he was a defender of his home, but no more. Uriel did not know where his pack was, except near Pheonix Maplewoods, but they were far enough he was not hostile. Uriel nodded in understanding, noticing the mood change, but she still felt guarded, feeling uncertain if his words were true. Though he did not look like a man who uses words of play, and one to the point instead. Reluctancy, to trust came to be. Calmer she was, that it was a step to a more comfortable setting. 

His words stroked her feelings, and Uriel couldn't help but smile slightly despite feeling wary, "You fought strongly as well."  Though the next words came to a surprise, "Legion has wolves of strength," she started, "But I seek my own ward of wolves," and rather quick to state her next phrase, "but elsewhere is now optional." The golden wolf had made it clear already by trying to claim the maplewoods, she sought for a place of her own. She wouldn't join another pack and give up this desire, for she wanted to be reborn within her own home.

Like many Kaertok had met, she wouldn't settle to be beneath somebody. But how, he wondered, was that the case for so many wolves, when it was impossible to lead without those who would follow? Kaertok had always sought to follow, because helping others achieve that had always been the easier path. He had never wanted to lead his own, for there was too much responsibility around the notion. It meant he would be tied down, and he certainly couldn't imagine a life of that. It was always much more rewarding to help others instead of trying to get his own slice of the pie.

Jomyo and Arbiter had convinced him Legion was a good choice for him, and so he had pledged himself to their cause. This sun-kissed wolf was not the leader he would follow, or perhaps he might have been swayed to fall under her lead instead. He gave her a curt nod. Is this where you intend to make your home? If so, he would steer clear of it. No sense in making the same mistake she had.

If another had shared the ideals she wishes to place upon Sunward, maybe then Uriel would be willing to be beneath another, and call it a home. However none have met that criteria, and so her goal continued. A simple offer wouldn't do, since she wasn't a very tempted wolf overall.

"No," she said, "but I am looking.. Northeast, there is a large forest which im interested in, which i've begun a movement toward." She didn't outright say her interest was partially still onto the maplewoods, but Uriel did not lie upon looking around. She became too heated moments ago, a proposed a statement to another (@Dawn), she already stated that it will be her new claim. Even though none was behind her, she would make do to at least try her ways.. Recruitment, has been a slow process, as not many had come. There was a fleeting thought, as a silver eye glanced toward him, but had gone away remembering who he was, and what he had done to the golden alpha.

So long as it was far enough away from Legion, Kaertok didn't care. He assumed she was (now) smart enough to follow that simple guideline. Having never been one for small talk, he nodded to her, then the white bear began to move north again. He wanted to scour this area a bit more before he returned to Arbiter and her crew. There were plenty of wolves in these parts, and each one might be the key to finding Raleska.

Uriel watched the dragon begin his journey away, and didn't stop him, nor' for even his name. She thought it would be perhaps their last meeting, neither ending on a sour note, or a positive. She still held onto some bitterness toward defeat- but perhaps it was more of her pride hit more than anything.

She too, begun to walk away.