Hideaway Strath in your crypt

Forming thread for The Saints. @Nyra and @Leigh.

The mountains gathered round, forming from all angles savor one easy opening lest one bothered to scale the mountains. It reminded him on the bear valley, one he had only seen in passing but never drew near. But it was bigger, much so. As he and his comrades moved through nightfall (which he could only travel in and thanked his pack for accepting his limitations) past the boundaries and within.  

A backdrop was the mountain chain, a beautiful scenery to behold. To the left, a ragged collection of rocks that spilled out off the mountains. He could not tell there was a ravine filled with the bones of those fallen to their deaths off the mountains. Not yet anyhow, but would be quite the prize for the enchanting @Dove. 

To the right, the river they had to cross would arch that way to what looked like a thick, dark and tangled mess of woodland. Moors which would be dangerously mucky but filled with many healing properties which would often bring Hemlocke lingering to the shadows within. 

Though it was ahead where the most attention would lie- Hideaway Strath. Where the river moved in and cut to the right, the landscape was cut in half. A fitting rolling valley toone side and a woodland to the other. It looked to be a tranquil place, beautiful, a slice of paradise for the damnable lot. Was this the place Valor had mentioned? 

Silently, he turns to his two scouting partners with silent question and hopefulness. This could be home.

With Mira back at home, Keres' wanderings could shift more towards simple scouts once more, though today, she had a purpose in mind. They had met in passing a few times now and the silvered Ostrega sought to officially get to know one another and so, sent a call up for @Desdemona. After the exchange of names and an invite to join her in her explorations, the two had set out beyond the Spear to find what there was to be found.

And there was much, it seemed. Early on, @Dirge had joined them and together, the trio found several things of interest; in particular a gaggle of mountain goats, a secret passage down the backside of the Spear, and — most insteresting of all — a smattering of scents that included something familiar. While she couldn't place a paw on it just yet, the valkyrie broke from the other two to pursue her curiosity.

And sate her curiosity, she did. Coming upon a trio of wolves who were not herself and her two companions, Keres chuffed a greeting to catch their attention, posture neutral for the time being. Even close to them now, she could not figure out what was so familiar about that damned scent. Hello. Not often I find so many travelling togetherr. An observation to start the conversation might prove fruitful, especially if she could suss out this feeling she had.

The Shieldmaiden traveled with Hemlocke and Leigh, silent for the majority of the trip. 
As the three reached the entrance to the place they may call home, the Titaness overlooked the river, the trees, the dark woodland off to the right in the distance. 

And then someone else appeared. The face wasn't nearly as familiar as the scent that lingered on her fur - Moonspear. The last time she had seen members of that pack, she had been sent to spy on Neverwinter - getting caught in the process by none other than Hydra and two of her subordinates in the glen.

The greeting given wasn't hostile though, so Nyra would mind her manners. 

"The pack we're from seeks to call this place home. The three of us came to see if that could happen." The Shieldmaiden answered casually with a light shrug of her shoulders.

Kynareth’s mind wanders much too often these days and at this point he’s mindless and practically dead inside yet so excited for all that is to come. So many plans but no one to tell, so frustrating. Yet this night, they’ve made it to the valley enclosed by powerful mountains. This is their new home, this is perfect. Almost as perfect as his dearest canyon of red.

Though he vaguely follows Hemlocke and Nyra he veers off the set path, only by a couple meters and hears a low chuff meet his ears. For a moment he assumes it’s another pack member attempting to get his attention, though it seems only half of his assumption is right. It is a stranger; female type with all sorts of grays and whites, a pretty face too. That always catches his attention. Though she does not smell as if she is alone, the longer scent of a pack on her ashen pelt much too obvious to ignore — a neighboring pack then.

He offers a chuff back as he trots over, slowing to a languid walk over to the others. “Evening, dear.” Kynareth greets as his extravagant self comes to reveal his presence to the other if she had not seen him before. He piggybacks off of what his Blade says. “Yes, we’re the Saints of the Dying Light. We are claiming this area and the surrounding territories as our own if that is convenient for you and your brethren. I am one of two alphas in this pack, I would be more than willing to make our presence officially known and have a nice little meet and greet. We’ll be neighbors after all.” He hums easily, more casual-friendly if anything. A charming smile on his handsome face, golden orbs taking over the soft plains of her face.

The jaunt was much needed, though he wouldn’t have admitted to it. Even with winter pressing close to their homeland, the mountains were relatively safe still to traverse and worth the trek. The views still drew wanderlust into his gaze and step and he found himself longing to range and pursue whatever tickled his fancy through the wilderness—the weak pull of it felt stronger now than ever with things having gone quiet between the mountain and the glen.

He had assured @Hydra that they wouldn’t be gone long, though the determination of length was a questionable one at best. Even as skilled at travel as the trio were, it was not a short trek to the hinterland that existed on the other side of the mountainous divide. And if it hadn’t been for notes of interest, they may have dared to go further than the basin they found themselves in.

Keres had hastened to it first and Dirge followed, pulling Desdemona in tow.

They soon found the source of interest to his surprise—others.

Silence held his tongue as he let his sister address the first wolf they came across, though interest had writ itself across his face. The locale didn’t seem too bad, if one enjoyed being encircled by sharp stone and tucked away. It seemed a safe place and no wonder if there were wolves lurking just beyond their line of sight where the forests engulfed them whole. No wonder they were trying to seek a home there.

Another turned up, then another, and this one held his interest. A behemoth of a wolf, though Dirge could tell he was more than just wolf. His experience with the exotic and mixed was limited, but the man drew a striking contrast to the women in his company. The leader, if the knave king had to supply a station to him, and the words that followed that thought only confirmed such.

"Seems fair," he said to appraise, though the tone was loose.

They would have to tread carefully, he thought.

The small woman lingered behind the others, her frame obscured by the shadows of her packmates.

The trip had been nice. Everything went smoothly, and luckily, Ursus did not interfere with their move. Leigh was no stranger to travel, and she did well in supporting her pack along the way. It was something to be proud of, but the accomplishment was short. They had arrived now, and the she-wolf's skills were no longer needed. Now, they needed a leader. Preferably Derg if they were going to build friendly relationships.

Suddenly the hellhound came to a stop, the familiar white wolf Nyra pausing as well. Taking it as a sign to rest, the girl took the opportunity to catch up before firmly planting her feet into the ground beside the two. Their new home would take time to get used to. It was nothing Leigh had ever seen before. Unfamiliar, just like their new neighbors.

Her glowing eyes did not flicker. Their gaze remained steady and didn't miss the sight of faces she had not yet seen before. New wolves. New friends!

The she-wolf listened carefully during the exchange of words, also noticing the presence of the tiger-wolf as he neared. For now she remained quiet. Perhaps she'd even no unnoticed.

Another's approach came swift, out from the woodland around them, but from where? Surely she had not crossed over the mountains? Perhaps she had, perhaps there was an easy path to the other side somewhere or maybe she bad come down from around in the north like they had. Moonspear, a mountain wolf, she was, but unknowingly to him. He had never scented them before and only knew them by chatter of his brethren. 

The large woman of the group (biggest female he had ever seen) took charge to tell the other wolf that they scouted here to find a home. Hemlocke was tense due to his own nervousness. As terrifying as he might look, he was a rather antisocial male and often his appearance drew others away. If not, he drew away for a lack of communication skill. It was a trait he had done his best to correct amongst those he now called 'Pack'.

Donovan, whom he still thought him as such, rounded back to them now drawn in by the scent of another not their own. A full introduction of himself, his pack and their intent. Hemlocke took the opportunity to lower his head, his boxy muzzle tipping downward a moment, a silent hello.

A Moonspear wolf, it was made clear now and soon later on of her own from what seemed their scouting party came by then. Moonspear was north of here, high up and on the other side of the mountain where one could not cross into the region from there. He wonders why they had come so far to scout. Had something happened here? He is curious yet like Leigh, he is silent, shy and awkward as his usual self. The little woman who had helped guide them through their journey, he now kept close to her, be it for her comfort, or his own.

Desdemona followed silently after the two, being wary of the scents. Then a multiple had appeared, particular she took note of the oddly-stripped man who claimed to be the Alpha, of the Saints. Thankfully though, she was never a wolf who changed much in her appearence, and only gave a short look, before moving toward Dirge.

"Multiple packs have warned Osiris and I, the Saints have kidnapped and violated wolves," the words were only to be heard by Dirge, but hoped for Keres as well, though she had to make it low enough for the others not too as well, "they were supposed to be located in the mountains across of us- it seems they have moved. They have multiple enemies."

Then she turned back to them stoicly, keeping a calm placid look. They were neighbors that would not be liked. Especially after what they had heard and warned to Hydra, if these wolves were looking for allies- they would not be getting it from Moonspear. It was especially wary they were so nearby, and it was a curiosity how the Alpha's would deal with these troublesome neighbors..

From what was heard- they would have to keep watch at the borders more often now. Desdemona made a mental note to especially watch the woman and children.

Where there were three, there were now four; the last stranger to arrive was more behemoth than wolf, his oddly patterned fur eye catching and interesting. Not more interesting than his words, hoewever. No reaction given to the pet name, Keres tipped her ears forward to listen as the man went on to tell them who they were and why they were here. Much like Desdemona, the silvered valkyrie schooled her face into not reacting, but took it a step further as well.

A gentle smile took over her face, even as recognition set in when she glanced over all of them and noted the ungainly and large white female; they had met before, at the borders of Neverwinter Forest, though she could not relay this to her packmates as of yet. Desdemona's whisper quiet words were barely heard above the din of the world, but Keres had little need of the wording. Taking her cue from her brother, she remained calm and collected, welcoming even.

Pleasant neighbors are always welcome, I think. Have you parleyed with the leaders of the surrounding packs yet? Normally, she might have let Dirge lead the conversation, especially as he was her leader, but now was a time to tread lightly and play close to the chest. If he saw fit, he would step up and take command, of this she was sure. What made you decide to move, if you don't mind?

Nyra had gone quiet as her Grandmaster approached, letting him do the speaking. In the meantime, the Shieldmaiden watched the eyes and body language of the present Moonspear wolves. Even though Nyra couldn't catch the quiet words spoken by the newest mountain wolf to arrive, she felt something in her gut twist that she couldn't truly explain. 

Something felt a little off...

The Shieldmaiden hmmmed gently, finding herself doubting that Moonspear would agree to an alliance with the Saints. Not with the reputation the Saints had.

He watches another appear, nearing the stranger male. His attention is on the ashen wolf before him, yet he squints golden orbs as he eyes the other two whispering. The interaction is only but a second or two long, quick, hardly noticeable. Yet as this female speak he puts eyes back on her with a light smile and a tilt of his head. Quickly, she’s asking questions and he offers a single shake of his head as a polite no.

“No we’ve only just made it. I did smell another pack just north of here, but we wanted to settle before introducing ourselves.” He offers her his honest answer. Then he moves on to the next and he will not lie to them, for they aren’t here to cause new trouble. Well, not until they’re stronger at least. “We we’re settled in a Canyon of Red in the mountain range to the East. There is little food there in the winter and we seek better hunting grounds. As well as Ursus,” he reveals conversationally. “we are on bad terms with the pack and wish to consolidate before acting. Gather ourselves and plan. We also have a member who has spoken of a wildly respected leader around these parts to assist in our endeavors. For what I’ve been told, everyone else wants Ursus’ hide too.” He tilts his head to her and offers a smile. “Tell me, what pack do you three reside from?” For the amount of info he’s given, he definitely expects at least that in return.

The behemoth was surprisingly forward with information.

But then again, so was Desdemona and her whispers.

Of course, that information offered meant to bait them just as well, a trade tit-for-tat and so on. The appropriate name drops that linked up with what he and Hydra had already learned and it left him wondering if all else he had heard about these Saints was truthful. It was a bit ironic that a pack that called themselves The Saints would be accused of what they had been, but he did not pass an immediate judgment either—it was all hearsay, and this meeting would establish and tend to the smouldering embers of what would transpire potentially in the future.

“We come from Moonspear,” he rejoined smoothly, gesturing towards the higher points of the mountain that loomed over all of them. “We’ve heard of this Ursus in the east—is it true what travelers say about them? We’ve also heard similar of yours,” he supplied in turn. “Though even here on this side of the mountain, the tongues of wayfarers are very loose; I’m afraid while you may have chosen wise hunting grounds to hold out against winter you may not find the peace you seek.”

It was bait, perhaps obviously so, but a relative gauge of how they would react.

But there were other packs in the hinterlands—Dirge wondered how they would respond.

Even now the woman doesn't speak a word. She simply observes the situation, ears twisting and flickering in all directions, intaking the sound of both the words being spoken and the surrounding environment.

Moonspear. Ah, so these wolves came from another pack. Leigh knew there had to be others around, especially with the knowledge of Ursus, but she was unaware that there were so many spread across the map. This would be nice, though. The she-wolf wasn't sure how the others felt, but she was definitely excited.

A new home, a new land, and new friends. This might have been the first time she was happy to have moved.

There was, alas, another's arrival. A pair of three which were scouting together it would seem, much as he and the two ladies at his side whilst Donovan had branched off up until now. She did not speak to them directly, not like the other two. Instead, she whispered to one of her counterparts, obviously words she did not want them to hear yet looked into their direction all the same. Rude. She could have at least done so after they had parted ways. Either way, Hemlocke didnt know what she had but it only left him all the while more anxious then he already naturally was. His eyes flickered between the other wolves every so often as they spoke. A wolf like him was always on high alert. 

Now Nyra too fell silent as the woman kept up the pleasantries, curious of their time here. It was obvious who led the group, as their large, stripped leader took the stand. The male then of their group spoke, knowing of Ursus and in turn, having heard similar tails of the Saints. Hemlocke's expression pulled back, grim, large ears flickering back at what he heard. Of course, he knew his pack was a rough group, dominant, arrogant, fighting mad type, but were they too so cruel? Hemlocke, at least, wasnt. Nor did he particularly think any of his pack were. But he didnt know everything and was equally bias by loyalty. 

Ears flicking up once more, he was curious as to what he had been told and Donovan's response. Would their life here be just as questioned? Given the fact that Moonspear was north, on the great wilderness region side, he wondered what packs were actually living in this area which they should look out for. He wanted to know if this man knew them, but held his tongue.

Valour. Surely it was that informant that told them so, and dared to throw the fact Moonspear would help such a devilish pack. The thought itself was a worthy laugh, but Desdemona always remained with a cooling persona, and serious-looking features. She stood behind Dirge and Keres, more as a back-up, the usual guarding of what she gives to the mountains.

Though nothing could stop the internal monologue of simply looking down to the ex-canyon wolves, who have gained so many enemies, they have to resort to expecting new neighbors to help them so.

Tongues were loose indeed. Keres wondered at what answer the master of these marionettes would give Dirge, and wondered if it would be at all truthful. Some wolves were proud of their misdeeds, she found, and some hid it in the dark with their sense of guilt and better judgement. Which wolves these were, it was too early to tell.

She looked to each of them in turn, sizing them up and committing their faces to memory. It was curious how there seemed to be two pairs before the Moonspearians, and neither pair seemed to match the other, though it had nothing to do with appearances and instead presence. The darker female and male came off as... not gentle, but not aggressive. Their personalities were not loud, as the gaudy male's seemed to be.

Curious.

She listened on in silence now, waiting for the response to her littermate's statement.

As words were exchanged, Nyra was still silent, voice-wise. 

But her thoughts were constant. These Moonspear wolves had come down here from somewhere, and it wasn't through the narrow opening bordering the cedar sweep. 

The Shieldmaiden would alert Donovan to this at a later time, but for now, Nyra made a mental note to follow their scent trail - regardless of if they went back the same way they came in or not - and do everything in her power to make sure every possible entrance in or out, save for the one the Saints themselves came through, was unusable, impassible, impenatrable. 

She would risk getting bit by a venomous snake even, if it meant a nest of them would ward potential intruders from getting in. 

All the while, the mammoth woman kept her golden inferno gaze on the Moonspearians and her mouth shut, because if she opened it the Saints would be in even deeper shit than they already were. 

The feeling of being unwelcome in a territory her pack was claiming, whether the feeling was in her head or not, was strong, and thus made her tense, even more so willing to become openly hostile, though luckily for herself, she hadn't yet become that way. 

Nyra trusted Donovan to keep handling this the way he was, especially where he wasn't telling the Moonspear wolves to get out - where she definitely would have.

He wants to scoff, typical of a pack that hears whispers in the dark to assume how the Saints operate. They don’t know shit, but for now he smiles. Not a I’m trying not to be rude smile, but a genuine one, for he truly does think it’s hilarious. His viciousness is individualized. For if a pack has done nothing wrong, then he is well enough to say they are on neutral terms.

Yet despite what everyone might think, Kynareth is a reasonable man and is willing to compromise. Thea other packs are not, so truly who is the close minded one here? It’s not the Saints that’s for sure. For this exact reason is why he is becoming sick of being polite and sweet. Which is exactly what he has been so far. 

So as he listens he nods carefully, taking in what the alpha of Moonspear has to say, the others beside him going quiet. Once finished he opens his mouth to speak, all the while impressive fangs gleam occasionally. Don’t loose your shit, Kynareth. Don’t fucking do it. Be calm, be a good boy. Do what mother dearest taught you. He chants in his sickly mind. 

“Ah yes, Moonspear. I’ve heard of your pack as well.” He comments uselessly in a casual, conversational tone. “As for the rumors of Ursus? Yes, they’re true.” He sighs then, regarding the male’s next statement. “As for us? Yes, we are a bit more violent then most, but we only offer that to those who cross us and really we desire neutrality if we cannot agree upon an alliance with most. Truly, we are quite reasonable despite the rumors.” He flicks his eyes between the trio. “We are very hospitable to allies and will even fight to the death for them. I wish for an alliance or at least neutrality with your pack, but I suppose only time can tell, yes?” He ends with a slight cock of his head. All the words coming from his mouth smooth and genuine. Albeit sightly forced to not be said with a growl but they wouldn’t be able to tell.

Much to his surprise, the behemoth wolf-mix was open to the question.

It lent a shred of truth to all that Valour had spilled to them and shed light on others, however vague and nondescript they were in his present memory. Dirge listened to the spiel as he would have any other, ultimately deciding that he wasn’t sure what was the best stance to take. He couldn’t make that decision lightly at Kynareth’s offer, nor would he make it alone; he would have to weigh his opinions later, when they weren’t standing in the basin’s depths. When he could seek the company of Hydra and Jarilo both to confer, discuss, and conspire as they were wont to do.

“Certainly something to revisit once you’ve settled,” he rejoined with a demure smile. They had at least made themselves known to one another in spite of the distance, and he at least managed to seem genuine in his intention to revisit the offer. But there was little room for doubt that these wolves would question it in his eyes too—they were obviously astute, their sharp nature more than just attributed to tooth and claw.

“We should head back and leave them to their work,” he said then to his companions. “We can’t scout this place freely any longer and I wouldn’t want to wear out our welcome.”

Last for Locke!

 

Judgement. He was starting to feel far more unsettlingly as one of the woman made no attempt to hide it as she looked down on them. Well, maybe not literally, as the lot of them were surely taller then the majority of their own. But then the first woman, painted in grayscale hues began to shift her attention between each, calculating the situation. He tried to force a bashful smile her way. Maybe Hemlocke was just a paranoid wolf. Alas, he was. 

Now, if Nyra was tense, Hemlocke would feel it, being such the emotional, spiritual dog himself. Quietly, he would touch his leathery muzzle to Nyra's shoulder and nose at her affectionately before pulling away. Maybe a distraction she well needed. Hemlocke was no fighter, not that he didn't know how but preferred to not. She didn't need any help in that regard. But Hemlocke cared for much so those under his guard, where he cared little of himself.  

Donovan then would admit their lifestyle openly- a fighters group. A lot of rather dominant, stubborn, mean mother fuckers who liked to pick fights. Truth to be told, some enjoyed fighting, enjoyed the rush, the thrill, the adrenaline. Hemlocke, as pacifist as he was could understand not everyone was so delicate, polite, only tooth and claw when needed to be. Would Moonspear think them all to be evil savages because of this? 

Burgundy eyes then turn to Dirge. He was in agreement to the possibility. That, of anything, they may ne neutral in terms with the Moonspear wolves. An alliance would all be nice, but with how far north they were they wouldnt be able to provide one another immediate assistance. Then again, the group had moved in the first place to get some space. When Dirge dismissed his group, Hemlocke would pass a small dip of his muzzle to Keres, who had spoken to them first, a silent goodbye before then befalling his attention to his companions. If this were to be home they should get to it quick in making it so.

Desdemona never shifted her demeanor of stoicism and calmness. However internally did she scorn the liar of the man, who said in general terms; were reasonable. Though the information she had gained during the journey to packs was they harassed women and kidnapped others, if such a man of hospitality spewed such nonsense, the guard could only imagine the truth behind what they claim. It was a horrific feature, similar to the demons of Blackrock forest, perhaps.

But even they, admitted their faults upright, and told of their deeds of desire and power.

She nodded to Dirge, following when he was to leave.

Last post for Keres!

Dirge's decision made, Keres yet lingered to observe the others for a moment longer, a nervousness fluttering in her breast for obvious reasons. Her pleasant expression held, however, and a dip of her head was given as the group of Moonspearians bade them farewell. She followed the others then as they headed towards the entrance to the Strath, the path they had taken down the mountain surely impossible for them to find again because the CMs said the Barrier Mountains are 100% impassable.

As tense as she was, Nyra was not expecting to feel Hemlocks nose on her shoulder. But, she didn't jolt or do anything, except snap back into reality and relax a little, offering the hellhound a grateful glance and small smile for his efforts to calm her down. 

It appeared the Moonspearians were leaving now, though? 
As they made their way toward the mouth of the Strath, the titaness offered them a silent goodbye with a dip of her own snout as she moved aside for them to pass. 

Once they were gone, the Shieldmaiden visibly relaxed a lot more, turning her golden inferno gaze to Kynareth "We should call the others to join us, so we can get to marking our new borders much faster. Besides that, I think Dove would love to start looking for a place to rebuild her Medic Oasis she had in the canyon." With that said, she would await his agreement and approval before sending up a howl. But if Donovan wanted to bring the rest of the Saints in person, then she wouldn't howl at all, and would instead pursue whatever actions he wanted her to take.

His stands still as he awaits the alpha’s reply and it’s one that satisfies him more than he expects. It’s a fair one of possible promise, but really he doesn’t count anything as a victory until he seems it through to the end. This is one of those situations. 

So at Dirge’s words Kynareth offers a curt nod of acknowledgment back. “I agree. Safe travels.” He hums easily, eyeing the trip down as they leave. 

He turns to Nyra then, good connecting with gold as she suggests marking their borders. It’s a good idea and something all the wolves in the pack should be doing right now. “I’m sure she would.” He answers with a smile on the subject of Dove finding herself a new place to hideaway with all her herbs and odd skulls. “Though a full pack meeting isn’t necessary. Everyone knows their place and duty to make this territory ours. I will call a meeting here within the next couple of days, until then do as you think best, dear.” He comments to her casually with a lax shrug. 

If Nyra’s inquiry is answered to her satisfaction he would give a soft tilt of his head to those still wandering the area and he would make his way to the borders to do just that.