Minka had arrived home from her trip to the south a few days ago and though all she wanted to do was catch up on sleep she had yet to have the chance. Every waking minute was spent preparing for the oncoming winter, as the clouds threatened endlessly to dump the first large snowfall on their heads. Every cache needed stocking, @Lugh of course was busy filling the infirmary with herbs that would soon be buried beneath drifts and Minka was doing her best to help. This was all on top of the regular duties such as border patrols and markings and of course raising her children, needless to say she was busy. As much as she wanted to relax and rest she knew it would have to wait if they were going to be fully prepared for the first winter storm.

With her mind full of the list of everything she needed to get done Minka was surprised when her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of not one but two voices calling her. Tilting her head to the right slightly her cranium turned curiously in the direction of the border. One voice she recognized as Firefly's, the packs energetic huntress in training but the other's was a complete stranger. @Tokino of course had alerted her of the two new members that had joined them while she was away, friend's of the yearlings that she had recruited, perhaps she had found another?

Done ponder the tawny woman made her way swiftly across the territory until she stood at the borders just a few minutes since the call had been made. Sure enough there was Firefly and what smelled to be a loner who laid in a submissive position. Pleased at what she saw Minka turned her attention back to her subordinate, nodding her greeting before looking back at the stranger woman. As always she got right to the point, "Tell me who are you and what is your business at our borders? I see you have already become acquainted with one of our members but I would like to hear you speak for yourself." The words were serious, the tone not overly warm or cold, it was clear this was a business meeting and it should be taken with the utmost importance.

Out of the corner of her eye Minka saw the yearling's chest swell and had to smother a smile that threatened to break across her maw. Firefly seemed to be taking to the pack in leaps and bounds and to herself in particular and for that the alpha herself was proud. Quickly she had become a part of the Downs, winning over the affections of her son Kova and now with the recruitment she truly was a delight to have as a subordinate. Still, she would have the time to praise the youngster later, now they had business to attend to.

Listening intently to Luz's answer she nodded as she introduced herself and spoke briefly of her skills before the alpha smiled. Stepping forward she lowered her cranium so she could take the gift within her jaws before returning to her place and dropping the hare at her paws. Looking over the pale woman once more she smiled, "Thank you Luz for the gift, we appreciate it with the coming winter." It wasn't just a nicety, she truly meant it. With the coming winter any additional food in their caches would help, especially if this winter would be anything like last.

This meeting had been a mere formality really, she trusted her subordinate's judgement and if they could vouch for a wolf's character that was good enough for her. As long as the newcomer wasn't rude or overstepped their boundaries a recruited loner was almost always accepted at her borders, at least if it was her who greeted them not Tokino. Turning her attention back to the other Downs wolf she spoke once again, "As long as you can vouch for Luz I have no problem accepting her into the pack, so do you believe that Luz Nightcrest has the right character to be part of Black Thorn Downs?" The alpha was silent now, her golden eyes focused upon the russet maw of her subordinate, the loners fate was now in her paws.

A warm smile spread across her maw at Firefly's response, based off of what she was saying it would seem Luz would easily fit into their ranks. Turning back to the newcomer she nodded seriously now before speaking, "Well then, Luz Nightcrest, welcome to Black Thorn Downs. You should know that we take loyalty very seriously here, and we expect our members to be hard working. Though if since Firefly thinks so highly of you I doubt you'll have any trouble fitting in." Now Minka stepped forward to first the right and then the left side of the woman, pressing their flanks together. Satisfied that the fae was now properly marked and would be recognized as a member of their ranks she stepped backwards.

Smiling once more back at the pair she sighed, "I wish I could stay to show you around Luz but unfortunately I have much preparation to do if we're going to be ready for the first real snowfall. Do forgive me for cutting this meeting short but I trust that Firefly is more than capable of giving you a tour." Glancing over at the yearling she nodded, flashing her an approving smile for the recruitment she had just done before turning to take her leave. After all she hadn't been lying and there was still much to do, and she knew if she was gone too much longer one of her children would come looking for her. Once they did, well her productivity would shrink exponentially. With this on her mind she quickened her pace and soon she was down the slope and out of sight.

EXIT MINKA