There were new faces in the Bend, and closer to her age. The young Aquila did not plan to spend much time with them. She didn't want to get attached. Alone she went, padding through the misted wood in hopes of finding something.
An old deer trail caught her interest. It was slim she would find it, but that didn't stop her from following. Mindfully, she followed its hoof prints, often using her nose when the trail veered through brush.
A stranger's voice broke the quiet, and she lifted her head, ears rotating. There was nothing more said. Was there someone out there? Instead of being afraid, Lila moved to investigate. If someone was in the woods, she needed to figure out what they were up to. Even if they weren't quite near the Bend, it was close enough.
Trying to be sneaky, she moved quietly, now and then pausing to take a whiff of the air. She caught the loner's scent, and with glee, headed in the right direction. Why she wasn't sure what she would say or do just yet. It, would likely be what she felt her mother would do.
She almost gave up on her search when she finally spotted the sleeping gray wolf. Odd. Why was she sleeping? Shouldn't she be scared? Slowly, the pup tip toed closer, pausing when the stranger mumbled. She could make no sense of it, except maybe it was a nightmare of sorts. "Hey," she began. Wanting to tell her she should sleep else where. Or take better care of herself.
Dialouge
Thought
OOC
Her single word seemed to do the trick, and the other awoke startled by her company. Well, what did she expect? Sleeping in the open like that. The loner's round of questions and disoriented state forced the dark hair on Lila's shoulders to rise. She pinned a narrow gaze on the wolf. "I am almost a yearling, and I live in these woods," she coolly replied. For Lila may be considered a pup, but was not far from her adult height and weight. She wasn't about to be treated like a child by a lone female.
Didn't she realize there were plenty of wolf scents around? Lila was sure she was not the only one who came and went through the misted woods. She held the urge to roll her eyes, and tried instead to soften here gaze."Of course there's a pack. It's called Oak Tree Bend." The name she doubted was common knowledge. There were not any other packs over here. The closest was Fallen Tree Cove. There had never been mention of any other. Something she couldn't yet decide was good or bad.
She let out a rough sigh. She really didn't care to know her name, only what she was doing in the woods. She would go along with it. "Lila Aquila," she offered. Then regarded her with a suspicious stare. "What are you doing in these woods if you're scared?"
Dialouge
Thought
OOC
He had been out tracking prey further south. Winter wasn't done with them yet, and the pack's number of adults was low. Ice didn't doubt that the yearlings could pull their full weight in a hunt—after all, most of them would hit their second birthday this spring, and by then they would have to be able to hunt, or Ice would box them around the ears. Still, the strength and agility of youth could only compensate for the experience of age so far, and vice versa. In a few months Aponi would not be able to hunt with ease, and then not at all. By the time summer rolled around they had to be a team of wolves to take care of the ashes of their phoenix pack.
So a pack hunt was in order. And thus, larger prey needed to be mapped out. Ice's little trip south had been mostly successful, as he'd found a couple of roving bands of deer and elk. He was sure they'd find something once they went out, and, happy with his scouting job, he was making his way back to the territory. The pallid blue fog hung draped among the trees, blocking out some light. The eerie effect had since long worn off on him. It was just home—a little dark, a little dank, but all the more precious when the sun shone.
He scented them before he heard them. They weren't on his given path, but without second thought Ice veered off. The main reason was curiosity, but unbidden, a twinge of fear wove its way through his system. Was this how Rissa had disappeared? Talking to strangers? Ice's brows drew together. He didn't think that was what was happening.. nor did he think Lila needed a chaperone or something... Scowling, the large pale wolf came upon them, drawing up beside Lila but stopping a little short of her shoulder. "Hello Lila," he rumbled quietly, touching his nose to her dark shoulder. What was it Naira had said? Aponi's sister Nova was the spitting image of Triell? Aponi took more after Rhysis, but this child.. she was like Triell and Aiyana. He heaved the softest of sighs into the silver-tinted blackness of her fur, before turning his head to regard the stranger.
She had a nondescript build, a nondescript color, but striking blue eyes. That was.. unusual. Ice hadn't met many blue-eyed wolves. She seemed calm now, but a faint scent of unease lingered about her. "I am Ice," he said after a moment, regarding her warily. Introductions had to be made, then he was content to let Lila keep dealing with the talking. "Who are you?"
Dialouge
Thought
OOC
The young lady's blue gaze went from suspicious, to cold. The dark wolf found nothing humorous about her joking manner. She was getting more unimpressed by the second. Really, she had no more words to give her. She much rather wanted to growl, tell her to go on her way. With the self control she did have she managed to remain silent, and her lip from raising in warning. For now.
As she had offered she gave her name in turn. Lila tucked it away in case it would be of use later. With everything she had just said she was surprised she would ask to be taken to the Bend. Bewildered all over again she took a moment to respond. It wasn't exactly her place to drive wanderers off, and it seemed they were hoping to get their numbers up. Maybe, it would be better to simply let Serach and Aponi make the final judgement."I suppose," she began. A dark ear drew back, someone was coming. Her head turned to see the light figure of @Ice. The tension that had rose easily fell back as he came to stand close to her. She did not mine the Guardian's company, and was glad for it in the situation.
He asked the lady's name, and Lila's eyes landed on the loner. She easily supplied it, but still didn't seem to understand what Lila had told her. Asking again if there was a pack when she had plainly said there was. Black guard hairs began to rise, and a low, short growl came sounded in her throat. "I told you there is a pack. Oak Tree Bend. It's where we live," she spoke, obviously exasperated. Why she wanted to add, doubt you'll get in she had sealed her lips, and clenched her teeth. She was sure Ice would know the best way to handle this, and she would follow his lead.
Dialouge
Thought
OOC