Lorcan had been patrolling the borders, on the lookout for a lynx, when a familiar howl called out along the edge of the territory. The agouti male immediately paused in his path, a single fore paw hanging limp in the air above the snow as his russet ears cupped forwards to listen to the voice. There was no mistaking who it was, and although the call had requested specifically for Ravenna, Lorcan immediately set about racing towards the @Morganna with an excitable bound and spray of snow.

Seemingly the first to arrive, his bright golden eyes were quick to spot the lone dark shape of his past leader against the wintery backdrop. A joyous bark erupted from him as he trotted towards her, an attempt at capturing her attention before he approached her, tail waving wildly behind him. Small whines, chirps and yelps filled the air as he greeted in a frenzy, placing affectionate nuzzles and licks all over her face and chest before finally brushing his body up beneath her chin.

Reunion over, Lorcan slowly pulled himself away after giving himself a few moments to soak in her familiar yet different scent. A smell of other wolves clung to her dark fur, a few of which he could vaguely recognise. He could pick out Celandine and Renier from memory, along with another individual whos presence made him question if his nose had made a mistake. “Odin told me you were back..” He finally said with a toothy grin. “…and your plans for the lagoon.” He added with a curiously raised brow.

“Who have you got with you?” Lorcan felt it easier to ask her directly. Save him the embarrassment of getting his hopes up if his nose really was off.

Morganna seemed equally pleased to see him, rearing her front paws up into the air to encourage Lorcan to greet her. It felt natural and easy, pressing up submissively beneath the female’s chin, his muzzle buried deep in her dark fur. He had really missed her. As he began to back away, his lashes fluttered shut as Morganna lent forwards to brush her tongue and nose along the obvious scars which now ruined his previously handsome, innocent features. His tongue swept awkwardly along his maw, his golden eyes looking up to her with a piteous frown. He only had to say one word…

“Askan.” He mumbled quietly, pulling himself away so that he could talk with her at a more respectable distance.

The male was quick to let her know that he was aware of her plan, revealing her son to be one who had informed him. When Morganna spoke of a delay he immediately thought back to his conversation with @Ravenna and how she had mentioned a female who had fallen sick. Lorcan nodded, his frown changing into something more serious and concerned. “Ravenna told me. Still, it’s good to see back.” He replied, his expression softening as a genuine smile began to pull at his charcoal lips. Even if she had returned without Craw licking at her heels..

Still curious as to who her new subordinates consisted of, Lorcan listened intently as Morganna listed each of by name. Most of the name he did not recognise or care for, but the last one certainly caught his attention. Tikhon. “Tikhon. My brother Tikhon?” He asked, surprise evident in his voice. “Around my height, darker coat and amber eyes?” His tail swayed behind him with anticipation. When he had returned to Artemus Valley late last year he recalled not seeing him, which meant that perhaps his nose had not been off after all.

He was beginning to appreciate being the first wolf to greet her at the borders. It meant that they had time to catch up before Ravenna or some of the other wolves arrived.

the devil is & always will

It was a sure bet that if Morganna was calling at the Ridge's borders, Sven would be there, regardless of who she requested. While he wanted to trust @Ravenna, he still believed her to be too soft on her siblings. If he wanted boundaries set, he knew that he would have to advocate for them himself. So he abandoned his work and set out for the edge of the territory from where her howl had originated.

When his eyes set upon her, she was the same as always. Spirited and lively, as if the world could never do her wrong. He had to wonder how few feelings she actually had to move around so easily across the land and through relationships. From what he could pick up in the conversation, he assumed she was on the move again.

He came to stand at Lorcan's side, bumping roughly but affectionately against the other man's shoulder and nipping at his cheek in greeting. His aunt, on the other paw, was met with a cool, neutral gaze and simple hello of, "Morganna."

be a gentleman.

She'd been in the far end of the territory spending a few minutes under the leafless Willow next to the stream. Her hind paw had been paining her again, with the colder weather it had been more frequent and the patrol that she'd just finished only just aggravating it more. When the call went up her head turned in the direction of the border she would need to go, she'd promised Ravenna that she would serve as guardian as well as scout. Willow Ridge’d had a lot if visitors lately and Leotie couldn't help but wonder who this one was.

She moved through the Willow forest as quickly as she could either her paw acting up and ended up arriving late. Lorcan and Sven had beat her there. Pausing only a moment long enough to utter the females name a look of recognition spread across her features. Sven had mentioned Morganna to her before, they were supposed to visit her and now the woman stood on their borders.

The Agouti woman moved to Sven's side brushing against his as was their customary greeting. Her blue gaze landing on Sven and then a nod to Lorcan to greet him as well before she finally looked to the woman, “I'm Leotie Rhys, second in Willow Ridge. It's nice to finally meet you.”