Round Stone Crest Not all who wander

OOC: For @Jynx and then @Gent - this takes place just after Raela accepts Jynx into the pack and brings her home. They've come to meet Gent before the rest of the pack. 

2/24/2016
Weather:
9° F, -13° C
Partly Cloudy
6:58 PM

Returning to the Crest had taken most of the remaining sunlight to accomplish. It was no surprise really, that the two nearly identical wolves wound through the hilly woods with the pinks an oranges of sunset lighting their coats. Just the day before Raela had come this way with Sylva; the charming little yearling who was no doubt up on the mountain getting to know her pack and her new home. Glancing upward from the valley, Raela felt another wave of joy surge through her chest. She had changed not one, but two lives now, and she was all to happy to introduce Gent to this second recruit. 

Raela lead the younger female toward the base of the small mountain, waiting to get within a reasonable distance before calling her partner. With any luck he could meet them as they approached the border, and forge the beginning of a relationship with Jynx. Meeting the rest of the pack was always a nerve-wracking endeavor, at least if this wolf was anything like herself or Sylva. Jynx was a fully fledged member with Raela's scent on her coat now, but it would perhaps be best to know both Alphas a little first, and that both leaders completely approved of her acceptance. Maybe that would ease any anxiety the younger wolf might have. 

Raela could feel the distance to that invisible line growing shorter, and she cast a warm glance back at her companion. She slowed then, at last halting under the pines and exhaling in a long howl just for the great black King. The matriarch was home again, and she had brought someone with her. The song soared high into the evening air, hopefully finding his ebony ears in good time. When her muzzle finally drifted back down, she smiled at Jynx and pressed on at an easy walk to give the man time. She didn't want to have to keep the girl standing idly at the borders when she didn't have to. 

(This post was last modified: Feb 27, 2016, 07:43 PM by Raela.)

            

Reach for the stars

During the lengthy walk back to her new home, Jynx surveyed her surroundings with watchful eyes. She had never been in this particular region before, and it would serve her well to memorize the layout of the land. But if the adventurous young wolf wanted to do some exploring, that would have to wait for another day. The last dying light of the sun coated the land in it's fiery glow, outlining two distinct wolven silhouettes, each at ease with the other. Jynx was still getting over how her luck had changed this day. She had gone from laying by a muddy riverside, beaten down emotionally, to uplifted and hopeful, at the heels of a new Leader (and hopefully) a friend.

She stuck close to @Raela's side, not out of the need for security, but to silently show her trust to this wolf who she already felt a sense of mutual understanding with. While they made their way home, closer and closer to the base of the mountain, Jynx expressed her thoughts and what questions she had on the way. What was Round Stone Crest like? What sort of atmosphere would she find there? How many members? While dismayed that the pack was on the lower count of wolves, Jynx in a sense, was also relived. Fewer wolves meant less chances of her being overlooked, lost in the ranks. Interactions between the existing pack members would be easier to come by. And this time, she was determined not to let her shyness rear it's head again. This time, she would be straightforward and outgoing.

She had only ever heard the name Round Stone Crest, mentioned once or twice, back when she had still resided in HearthWood River. Regardless of what her former pack thought of @Raela's group, her opinion would not be wavered. She had no reason for any negative opinion. Quite the opposite. From what she had seen from her new Queen thus far, the Crest sounded promising. As soon as they had drawn to a near stop, Jynx smiled softly as @Raela tipped her head back and called for her partner, @Gent. The russet female knew nothing of the black Lord except his name, and while eager to meet him, a twinge of nervousness still tickled her stomach. With a soft, warm nudge at the underside of the Matriarch's chin, Jynx swept forward again, tail wagging slowly. Never stepping ahead of the older female's stride, she kept a sharp eye out any sign of her new King. Her ears fell back slightly as a thought hit her. She wished she could have bought a gift, perhaps a trout or maybe a beaver that had been lingering by the river. It would hint at her hunting skill...but Jynx wouldn't worry. She was not here to try and impress. She would simply be herself, as natural as she was. With luck, that would be good enough.

 

 

A young deer has been separated from the rest of its herd. Hunt Opportunity

Raela was home. That was enough to have the man jogging toward the borders to meet her, ushered onward by the sound of her voice beckoning him forward. The fact that she was bringing home a wolf-shaped gift was just a bonus. With the return of their spirits and Raela's valiant efforts, they were steadily growing in numbers, first with the odd youth named Sylva and now another? The sun truly was rising on their fortunes, and it relieved him greatly.

When he met them along the way, it was Raela who his attention prioritized. She was greeted by the man pressing his crown against her cheek and a nuzzle to her neck; it had been all day, and as of late, he hated being parted from her for any period of time. Only after he pulled away did his pale gaze land upon Jynx, strikingly familiar in appearance; she looked like a younger Raela. A soft chuckle fell from his jaws as he looked back to his queen, curiosity clear upon his features.

"Alright. What's the story here?" he asked her, gaze shifting between the two. If Raela had trusted the woman enough to bring her home, he doubted there was any reason for his extra layer of scrutiny.

The Queen's tail swished to life as @Jynx drew forward, offering a touch of solidarity. Already the woman had expressed such respect and trust in her, and Raela was flattered. She accepted the gesture passively, allowing her wagging banner and gentle smile to do the talking. She appreciated that the younger woman had taken such care to watch her step as they traveled, and the two seemed to hit it off well as companions. Jynx had been easy to converse with, and hopefully in all that time she had learned most of what she needed to make the smooth transition back to pack life. 

Her spirits were infectiously high thanks to it all, and they jumped even further as Gent's towering frame appeared before them. Her paws sped up for just that moment, drawing her ever closer to him with magnetic force. She had grown to miss him during just those hours, and that was something new. Ever since that morning in the den, things had become different. Her feelings had changed and it showed in the way she melted into his affection, even going so far as to let a quiet whine of excitement past her lips. Her tail fluttered away until the second he removed himself, and instantly the matriarch was reminded of Jynx standing there. It was easy to get caught up in reunions after all. 

Raela's golden eyes trailed after his scrutinizing gaze with curiosity. The woman hardly expected any sort of negative reaction, but she was curious all the same. When he chuckled she grinned; that was a very good sign. At last the man's low voice thrummed through the chilly winter air, and she was drawn back to the new recruit. Talking was so much easier with him there, and the reply came easily. "This is Jynx," she began, pausing to allow the girl to dip her muzzle or gesture 'hello' in whatever manner she pleased. "She was looking for a new start, so I offered her one." Raela's teeth shown in a broad smile, yellow eyes falling onto her look-alike once more. If Jynx wanted to explain further, this was the time. Raela never liked to talk for her recruits too much, especially after what had occurred with Urien. Besides, she was relatively certain the girl had words of her own. 

            

Reach for the stars

Lingering patiently by @Raela's side, Jynx found that she did not have to wait long until the duo were greeted. The wolf who appeared was nothing short of impressive. Massive in stature, pitch black with a blue sheen, and eyes of ice. Even the way he carried himself naturally evoked an air of confidence. Immediately, in her gut, Jynx felt a pang of respect for the Crest patriarch. Side by side, the two females could nearly be mistaken for twins. And while she did have some Asurn blood in her, this knowledge was completely lost to Jynx.

Their greeting she noticed, was sweet and affectionate. She couldn't help but let a slight hint of a warm smile flash towards @Raela. A silent message saying in her eyes, that she was one lucky woman to have such a fine and lovable catch. Not one to forget her manners or formality, the fire coated girl lowered her body slightly in appropriate submission, bowing her head. Perhaps she was being just a little too careful, even with Raela's official acceptance already. But with her nerves still a little worked up, she wasn't feeling risky. "A pleasure to meet you, Sir." She would wait until @Gent had officially introduced himself to address him by name.

Tail sweeping along the snow by her ankles, she upturned her golden eyes to land on his dark chest. "I couldn't help but accept Raela's generous offer. Not after the remarkable understanding and patience she showed me..." She allowed another smile to crawl to her lips. "I had nearly given up...on pack life. But she instilled a new inspiration in me. I hope that it is here I will find my niche..." She said, with a steady level of optimism in her voice. For now, she would not elaborate further on the details of her prior situation, unless asked. All she was looking for here was further confirmation that she had made the right choice in joining the Crest. With her self confidence recently reduced, she could used the little extra boost.

The stark contrast between this recruit and yesterday's was highly pleasing. As benign as @Sylva seemed to be, and the promise her youthfulness provided them, this Jynx's potential utility was immediately available. Mannerful and articulate, she succeeded in mildly impressing him. The snippet of her story was interesting as well; given up on pack life? He was curious as to what all that entailed, but it would be a long time before the king ever saw fit to take the initiative to ask, as he was not one to pry merely for the sake of inquisitiveness. No, what he chose to focus on was that final sentence of her's.

"That's what I like to hear," he encouraged. "Do your part and we'll help you every step of the way. What do you have experience in?"

They could use anything, really, given how low their numbers were. While those like @Moraxia had already dedicated themselves to a particular interest, they couldn't afford to delegate any of the subordinates to a single role yet. If there was something particular that Jynx could focus on, however, they would have her prepared for specialization in no time, because they would rebuild and gain the numbers needed. He had to believe that, could with Raela back at his side, and he also genuinely believed that having a dedicated position was essential to 'finding one's niche.' It had been for him, after all.

OOC: Apologies for how long I took with this @Jynx  

She caught the new woman's smile in the corner of her eye, only to return it with her own warm expression. That perhaps Jynx thought them a pair danced through her thoughts, but she couldn't blame the woman for assuming as such. Others long before her had thought the same, and later she would be sure to clarify. For now Raela simply let it go, content to observe the interaction between her co-lead and their newest member. Her greeting was polite and well spoken, and the Queen suspected that her words had had an effect on the King as well. 

Raela practically beamed as the girl went on; complimenting her lavishly for her assistance. It was one of the greatest feelings she could have; to be appreciated so immensely for helping another. There was nothing the woman would rather be doing, for those who deserved it, and Jynx was shaping up to be someone who had sorely needed this second chance. Her curt manner from before was washed away by this new opportunity the Crest had provided. That Raela would be an uplifting force in this wolf's life was the peak of fulfillment. She sincerely wished to have many more stories like these during her time as leader. 

When it was the man's turn to speak, her warm gaze adjusted accordingly. The matriarch's tail swayed a little as the black King reacted with his own praise. She stood passively, shifting back to focus on Jynx once more. She was a bit curious herself, as to what the girl wanted to become. She was sure that this one would be a much needed help to the Crest.   

            

No worries! 

Reach for the stars

Gradually feeling more at ease as the seconds ticked by, Jynx slowly lifted herself up out of her submissive posture. But she respectfully did not raise herself to full height, ready to duck back down again, should either Alpha disprove. Her final words were met with warm encouragement, which made a new sensation blossom and then settle in the pit of her chest. She only nodded softly in affirmation. "Thank you. I will do nothing but my best." She stated humbly, but not without a hint of determined pride. Being kept busy, and working hard while at it, was not something she minded in the least. And especially not when it came to her specialty.

Speaking of which. What perfect timing, as Gent now inquired about how, specifically, she could benefit the Crest. Where did her talents lie? Straightening herself, before planting her hind end down, she took on a more conversational demeanor. While she prepared her answer, her memories ran back to the time of her injury. Of the hunt she had lead in Grizzly Hollow. She had gained some experience yes, but as a young wolf, there was still plenty more for her to learn. Her eyes failed to meet Gent's icy blue ones, settled instead safely on his shoulder. "Well...I would like to say that hunting...tracking, are my strongest points. I have participated in my fair share of hunts, but I by no means consider myself an expert. Yet." She added with a twinkle in her eye, subtly shedding light on her ambitions for the future. "Should you not be in need of a hunter, I am perfectly happy to multi-task. In fact, I would prefer it...you can never know too much, as I always say." They needed help in the form of more members. She wanted a nook, to learn. This seemed like a win win.

This can be Gent's exit, if you guys wanna wrap up here? c:

Jynx was beginning to visibly relax, and her promise earned an approving nod from Gent. Yes, he definitely liked this one; she gave off good vibes right from the start, just as Alphinaud had. He supposed it was a possibility that she was simply a remarkable actress, but the king was far from being that paranoid. With hopefulness, he anticipated that she would prove to be a loyal and longstanding member, such as Moraxia. As she answered his question, offering to be a dedicated hunter (which they hadn't possessed before, Minka always dual-tasking the role just as he was also the pack's sole medic) but also remarking of her willingness not just to do all that was needed to help the pack, but to learn for that value it inherently possessed, boded well that she would be remarkably useful as well.

"Aren't you just filled with wonderful answers?" he complemented with an amiable smirk. "Sounds like you're gonna be exactly the kind of wolf we need around here. Come, we'll show you around and introduce you to the pack."

His muzzle swung toward the mountain's crest invitingly before he turned, ready to lead the way.