Redtail Rise Curiosity

Forward dated 3 days so it takes place on 4/14. Tagging leadership for visibility but all welcome. @Avicus @Prophet @Tulimaq

During his travels between the coast and the taiga, Cerne had picked up the scents of another nearby pack. Curiosity had the better of him — did Sakhmet and Kigipigak know of their neighbors? If they didn't, they would after this meeting. Knowing he was close to the other pack's claim, Cerne let loose a call for whomever lived here, then backed away from their borders. He would await them patiently.

Having conquered the Wealda in every way that mattered to him, Tulimaq felt as though he'd reached his prime here upon the Rise. He'd kept an eye on the girl after each man had their turn, and oftentimes sought her out to test her resolve, or to see if Avicus would entertain him with her body any further - more than likely she'd send him away for another task, but the desire remained strong within him. He would have her again, some day.

It was during one of these hunts for the woman that Tulimaq came upon a foreign scent. It was not yet enough to pull him free of his lust, not until a call rose up, and when that happened he grew frustrated. He wanted only one thing at this time and it wasn't the company of strangers; however, he had a duty to protect these lands, and soon enough sought out the carried of that voice.

He came stalking from the trees in time to see a swarthy stranger there, sitting, watching the limits of the Rise. Tulimaq was bristling as he drew closer, sizing them up. What do you want? He questioned in his rough manner, clearly distracted by other thoughts.

A man approached, clearly in a foul temper. At his hostility, Cerne gave a soft scoff of disgust. "Is this how you treat visitors?" His question would be paired with raised brows and a small frown. Cerne then gestured east, telling the man coldly, "I live with a small family on the river. I merely sought to meet my neighbors." Cerne was not impressed, and he would pass this on to Natigvik.

Tulimaq's scowl deepened; he had the strong desire to drive this stranger away immediately following his words, to prove a point about the wolves of the Rise. Instead he stepped close, a predatory air about himself. This guy was young and bulky—but like any youth, to Tulimaq he wasn't a threat.

We do not accept visitors. There was a warning tone to his voice.

It did pique Tulimaq's curiosity to hear of another group. This small famly by a river, which could've been anywhere. It had been weeks since Tulimaq had done any proper reconnaissance outside of the territory.

Move on while you can, boy.

Cerne snorted softly, his eyes narrowing, though he made no further remarks. He took a moment to get a good look at the male before him — Cerne was heavier, but they were very nearly the same height. Still, he knows better than to stir up trouble, especially so close to claimed land — there was no telling how nearby one of his companions might be. Cerne stood, still frowning, then said nothing as he turned and made to leave. Perhaps, once he was home and settled, he would seek answers from the bones about his neighbors — where the wolves refused to speak, the bones would tell all.

Pleased by the departure of the stranger, Tulimaq followed his movements with his eye until he dropped out of view, and then to be certain he began to follow the path the man had left behind; he gave the stranger's path one final look, a frown upon his face, before turning back to resume his patrol of the territory's outer limits.