The howl that echoed through the territory was not a request for a leader or plea for help, nor was it in any way a challenge to the pack. It piqued the little scout’s curiosity; how often had a wolf who was simply exploring the land showed up at their border? The petite woman had settled herself in the community den to ride out the oncoming storm in warm comfort, but information was her job. If information was what the stranger wanted, Naia was what she would get. The timber woman pushed headfirst through the layer of snow that had covered the den opening, popping up out of the snow like a daisy in spring. Swift paws carried her through familiar, snow-covered trees to the source of the howl, where she froze in shock as she saw a strange female cross her fresh and in her opinion very conspicuous border marker.

”What are you doing?” Her tone matched the tone of the woman’s howl—not demanding or challenging, but neutral and curious. Naia had not moved from the point she had frozen, a stone’s throw away from the stranger. In any other interaction she would have sauntered right up to the newcomer, smiling that joyful grin of hers and wagging her tail warmly… but she was cautious with this strange, very large wolf who displayed such blatant disregard for her pack’s border. If @Maksim or their guardian @Karpos had answered the call, no doubt the stranger would have already been attacked for her insolence. There were some packs that killed loners on the spot for such a transgression. The sandy-coated woman was lucky indeed that Naia always gave newcomers the benefit of the doubt—occasionally a young wolf came through who just didn’t understand pack etiquette.

The stranger had the courtesy to look ashamed when Naia questioned her, and she assumed a stance and attitude that was fitting for a loner addressing a pack wolf. Placated, the fur on the back of Naia’s neck flattened and her tail began to wag. As the girl backed away from her scent markers the timber woman took the ground that the newcomer gave, approaching the border with a calm expression. She had no intention of scaring the girl now that she was behaving appropriately, and besides—Naia loved meeting new wolves too.

”Certainly understandable,” she replied to the girl’s explanation, her honey eyes melting as her expression warmed. Now that they were closer the scout could see that the stranger also had eyes of warm honey. That was a good sign in Naia’s opinion. ”..But I would caution you to remain on neutral territory for the time being, in case another of my family turns up.” The warning was delivered in an offhanded way—Naia had no intention of continuing to dwell on the mistake—but she wanted to be certain the newcomer would do nothing further to get herself in trouble, especially if she was looking to join their family. ”Let’s not speak of it again,” she said with a crooked smile. It would be their secret.

”I have been rude as well. Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. I am Naia Aegina, scout and Second to Maksim and Kisla Baranski, leaders of Cut Rock River.” Naia’s tail waved with a proud flourish as she introduced herself, her leaders, and her pack all in one mouthful—it was a very practiced introduction. She couldn’t help it anymore; she broke into her usual wide, joyful grin, all but shattering the regal effect of her previous words. She loved her leaders and her pack to pieces, and spreading the word to potential new members elated her.

”I would love to hear tell of your travels, if you have time enough to spare. But perhaps you would rather speak to my leader..? Her scout’s eyes missed nothing, and she noted the irritated way the sandy lady pawed at her head. ”..Or our healer? We have the best Healer in all of Relic,” she boasted, still grinning. Calling Lachesis to them would kill two birds with one stone if the newcomer was also hoping to join the River wolves. The specter-like healer had taken over Maksim’s duties at the border for the time being while the rightful leader healed from a nasty wound.

Mali, a pretty name, Naia thought, and somehow familiar.. It sounded similar to the names that came from Naia’s birth region. The scout’s ears perked to attention when Mali said she traveled south to reach Relic.. just as Naia had nearly two years ago. How curious. Perhaps the two of them had shared a birth region. ..Or even an ancestor, Naia imagined, noting again their similarity in eye color. She only entertained that thought for a moment before shaking her head at its ridiculousness. What ancestor would produce a line as mighty and regal as Mali and another as small and scrappy as Naia?

”Excellent,” Naia replied as Mali agreed to share her story. Something about her word choice indicated that she wasn’t too interested in sharing right at this moment though, and Naia waited to hear if she had a different request. She nodded understandingly as her companion quickly agreed to meet Lachesis. Whatever ailed her must be bothering her more than Naia originally realized. Her new acquaintance must be skilled at powering through pain, a good quality in a guardian, Naia did not fail to note.

”You’re in luck then.. our Healer has taken over Makism’s leadership duties while he has been occupied with other tasks. So in effect, you can meet both at once.” Naia tilted her head back and let her voice ring through the Cedarwoods, alerting @Lachesis that there was an loner at the border who wished to speak to him and request his expertise. Naia broke her howl off and glanced at Mali uncertainly.

"It might help if you join in with the specifics about your ailment.. Just so he knows what to bring.” Naia understood that it went against every instinct to howl out your injuries for everyone to hear, but since Mali had not indicated that she was interested in joining the pack she would likely not be allowed into the territory to visit the healer’s den. That meant he had to bring the healing herbs to her.

Naia’s ears flicked sideways, listening in on Mali’s symptoms as they howled together, and when they finished she turned to Mali with honey eyes full of concern. The regal female had done a stellar job concealing such an injury, but of course that kind of talent was a must as a lone wolf. The other female was also studying her, looking as if she wished to say something, so Naia’s swallowed her concern for the moment and cocked her head, a silent urge for Mali to speak.

The young woman settled back onto her haunches and began the story Naia had requested, telling it with clarity startling for a wolf suffering from pain and dizziness. Her honey eyes widened as Mali told of the non-lead pair having pups; that was a common practice in Naia’s birthpack as well! The more Mali reminded her of home the more Naia found herself hoping that the sandy-pelted lady would stick around. Naia nodded as she finished her story: one of the happier histories Naia had heard from a loner in Relic. Though Mali had traveled much longer reaching Relic than Naia had, it was still a distinct possibility that their homes were similarly located. Naia had traveled to Relic in a straight shot through the Great Pass, whereas Mali’s wandering path had diverted her westward, and who even knew how much that injury had slowed her?

Naia was still puzzling over how to best question the newcomer about her origins when she saw Lachesis arrive from a distance. Evidenced from the bundle in his mouth he had gotten the full message. ”Lachesis, our healer and acting leader.” Naia introduced him as he drew up to them. ”This is Mali, a loner from the North.” Lachesis got straight to work and as Mali was forcing down the concoction the pale healer questioned her about her trespass. Naia’s ears flattened with displeasure. So much for that remaining our little secret.. Nineteen and his healer’s nose! Even so, Naia knew the healer’s nature and he was still like to be much more forgiving of the mistake than Maksim or Kisla. Naia listened quietly as Mali explained herself, watching Nineteen’s pale green eyes for a reaction.