Wapun Meadow I know I can be so cold

maybe an Ursus wolf? But all welcome! She has been away from the saints for a very long time now and does not carry their scent. backdated to Nov. 23 whoops

At long last, Evelynn had traveled the valley and two mountain ranges, yet her goal was still just out of reach. Ursus. It was her main goal and the name that would drive her to the edge of the world. She had yet to reach their enclave, but the towering valley walls could be seen already. She knew it would be where they laid, if not from the vague hints she had gathered along the way, then for the borders that reached into the heavens. One of her tasks was to find a weak spot should one exist, or come back with news that there really was only one way into the territory.

Well, she had no answer yet, but she wasn't particularly hopeful. She needed a plan. All this way and the packs she passed had little to offer her about the bear wolves, nor the reason Kynareth was so on edge about them to the point of moving. It seemed that both the Saints and Ursus were labeled as problem packs, the Saints with more reason than Ursus... Oh well.

Her paws ached just as she was passing by a stream. A welcoming sight as she paused for a drink. It had gotten colder since she began this journey, perhaps it was the claws of winter creeping, or maybe it was just colder on this side of the Teekons. It was undeniable that no matter the reason, snow would be here before she knew it, and she needed to be home before then. But for now...a rest.

Ashlar had made hunting his main aim since joining Ursus.  Fighting was still a goal that hovered on the edge of his mind, but it was one that terrified him.  His desire to protect the things he cared about, as baba had always taught him, warred with the knowledge that in fighting he would need to harm another wolf.  The sensitive wolf could not resolve these two things and it caused him no small level of stress.

This stress he put forth in music, mainly while he was alone.  Today was the perfect day for this.  He tracked a mink to the edge of the forest near the valley, but under his breath Ashlar quietly sang a wordless melody, playing with the harmony that might become a song someday.  He liked the beginning, but the middle was wrong.  It spoke of summer when he wanted spring.

The trail hit the river and Ashlar stopped abruptly.  The boy stared across the water, remembering baba's fear of it.  He had no such reservations, though he didn't bother crossing.  The trail was faint enough here that he knew it would have disappeared, washed away with the current.

He was disappointed but he smiled and turned.  It was then that he spotted Evelynn, and immediately he froze.  He hadn't seen her, and his ears folded with embarassment and nervous trepedation.  H-hello.  It was so soft, it would honestly be a wonder if she heard it.

The silver woman was just about to get comfortable when a meek voice called out. If she hadn't been alone she might have not even noticed it. Gold eyes sought the source, a young man who looked as if she had just taken the meal he had been hunting for three days. Hello. A quick glance over was all she needed before letting her more permanent bitch face to melt to something softer, a hint of a smile on her lips.

Can I help you?Last she had checked this land was not claimed so there likely was no issue with her being here, but perhaps he needed something, or maybe he was just greeting a stranger... Or maybe you can help me? Do you know much about the land here?

His tail tucked some when the woman called out to him in return.  He'd hoped she would hear, but that did not mean he was ready to wholeheartedly engage.  That is, he wasn't, until she asked if he could help.  Slowly his ears lifted, and his tail rose a tad.

Y-yeah, prob-bably.  Ashlar answered, still a little quietly.  But his eyes shone as he stepped closer, transitioning from a timid creep to a slow and cautious walk.

I live close. Wh- Umm.  What do you want t... to know?  He asked, a little haltingly.  She sounded friendly, but he couldn't quite tell yet, and he was fully prepared to be told to scram.

He was timid still, though something seemed to change in his demeanor as the boy approached. He claimed he lived close, even better as he would surely know of the wolves she sought. Of course, though, she couldn't be so open with her plans, especially if he was with their enemies.

I'm traveling to see what packs lay here. I wish to find a strong home, especially with winter setting in. Simple enough for an answer. Her gaze drifted from the way he held himself to the tall ridges nearby. You're from a pack. What's it like there? Perhaps if she worked him over, she could approach her true questions with less suspicion.

If she wanted a source for information, she couldn't have found a better one if she tried.  Ashlar was thrilled to be asked to speak about his new home - he had no call nor reason to be suspicious.  He knew nothing of their relationship with the surrounding lands.

It is a valley, and w.. we follow the bear,  he answered, and for a moment, a tidge of pride colored his tone.  He had earned his place here all on his own!  He could be proud.  They are strong.  His tone turned up at the end, and he looked at her hopefully.  Could she be looking for a place like theirs?

If she was looking for information, he likely shared anything she wished to know, for good or for ill.  There was no mistrust in Ashlar, only a glowing desire to please.