Turtleback Lake Hell would sooner freeze over

RE:Ice boulders have formed on the shores of Turtleback Lake. All welcome!
Note: Askan is on the southern shore of the lake, aka the Secret falls side.

The Edge Lord hadn't intended to head this far north, it just sort of happened. These days he tended to stick around the falls, or the ferns. After all, he had no reason to stray too far from the Shallows when everything he'd ever wanted was right there in front of him.

Except not quite.

Cotton was still missing and his scent had long faded from the communal den, covered up by the bodies of those who remained. Of those who'd kept their word. Where the hell was he? Had Cottongrass gotten lost, hurt? Or-and Askan dreaded to think of it-had he just wandered off? Again. Askan was well aware of Cotton's bad case of itchy paws, knew that he liked to wander, to explore and meet new people, but if he had left then this was an all time low for him. He'd promised them, gave his word that he wouldn't leave, not again. And yet, here they were, history was repeating itself all over again.

Askan gritted his teeth. If Cotton was in the Falls they would have found him by now. So he wasn't here, at least not anymore. Perhaps it was time to expand their search or-the nasty, wicked part of Askan cast that idea aside with a scoff. Why bother? He'd clearly given up on them, maybe it was about time they did the same in return.

Emerging through the trees, Askan padded onto the southern shore of the lake. Aside from the large chunks of ice it hadn't changed all too much. It was the same as ever, massive and no doubt freezing. Pushing his way through the knee-deep snow, Askan idly wondered if searching for Cotton was worth his time and effort. It would get dark soon, and he'd rather spend the night curled up by his mate's side than in the middle of nowhere with only his bitter thoughts as company.

He wanted to tell the other northern packs about Shallow's Edge- and to brag about his accomplishments- but it wasn't really on the top of his to do list. Unless they were neighbours there was no need to rush, no reason not to wait until spring when travel was easier. And yet, Askan didn't like being out of the loop. He wanted to be in the know, he wanted to find out if anyone had seen or spoken to Cotton. He wanted to tie off all loose ends, was that too much for him to ask for? Probably.

(This post was last modified: Jan 02, 2018, 01:02 AM by Askan.)

Since everything that had happened the training she had promised herself she would do so she could swim to the islands had gone to the wayside. It was time she got back to it if she ever planned to swim to the island once she'd gotten bigger. So naturally she had snuck off to the lake where she could do her training and maybe forget about things for a little while at least.

The snow was deeper than she'd ever seen it but the little Crow didn't let it hold her back. She found her way through and had quite the workout but she eventually made it to the lake. The first thing she took notice of was the islands and how haunting they looked when the trees didn't have any leaves on them anymore and there was snow covering the ground. She only took a moment before she started her training.

Oksana took off as fast as she could in the snow, running with determination. She had every intention of swimming the distance in the spring. She ran and ran as fast as she could trying not to let her mind wander but she couldn't help the disappointment that came over her when she thought about her father not being there to see her swim to the islands. A tear fell down her cheek and as she came around the south side of the lake her steps faltered enough she fell.

Into the snow she went where she laid for a moment looking out across the lake until she finally pulled herself back up to her feet. What she hadn't noticed before was the dark wolf on the shore and there were large rocks in the water of the lake that looked like they were made from ice. She became interested in these having not ever seen them before. Slowly she walked to the water's edge to investigate them keeping an eye on the stranger in case he meant to do her harm.

Please see Sharlee's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you

This seemed to be a running theme for the Selwyn, that whenever he wasn't looking for company he got it anyway. Sometimes it wasn't so bad, a friend or at the very least an acquaintance would happen upon him and they'd have a talk. But strangers? So tedious. And worse yet, it was clear from her posture alone that she was young, still growing and an adolescent at best. Hawthorne and Sachiel were fine, Percy had been tolerable at that age too, but could the same be said for this kid? He had no idea and honestly, wasn't all that eager to find out.

Side eyeing the kid, Askan debated what to do. He was content to go about his business, but the way she was skulking about in he corner of his eye made him feel as though she wanted to socialise. His ears flitted to his skull at the thought. Gross. Small talk was dumb and cheap and if anyone asked him what he thought of the weather he'd kick snow into their eyes.

Turning to face her, The Edge Lord took in the sight of her. Dark coat, orange eyes...They were pretty close to Hearthwood River, so if he had to hazard a guess he'd say that this was Inna's pup. Lorcan's too, whether he wanted to admit that fact or not.

What were the chances huh? Wanting to confirm his suspicion, Askan cleared his throat as he trudged towards her, only to stop at a conversational distance.

"You from Hearthwood? Inna's kid?"

(This post was last modified: Jan 02, 2018, 01:04 AM by Askan.)

Shallow water has trapped several fish in a small pond. Hunt Opportunity

She'd gone a far distance around the lake than when she'd started and through the deep snow. She felt like she had done well for the day and after her fall she didn't feel much like training any longer. She kind of had to wonder what the point of it all was if she couldn't show both her parents how big and strong she'd grown. The things she could do with a huff she pushed that out of her mind, she made a promise to herself, Ody, and Lavender and she had to follow through with that.

Oksana busied herself with investigating the strange Ice boulders. She approached as close as she could get sniffing at them and looking them over. She wondered how they had formed and especially how they had gotten as big as they were. She wondered a lot of things about them. Her head turning to look at the stranger she'd taken notice of before, she could certainly ask him.

Those questions were forgotten as she watched him come closer to her, she didn't move from where she stood but she was ready to run back the way she came if he seemed to be a bad wolf. To her surprise he asked about her mother and if she was from Hearthwood. Oksana nodded in response to both questions. So it was clear he knew her mother, “Who are you?” She asked as she looked him over. “How do you know my mum?”

(This post was last modified: Jan 01, 2018, 08:16 PM by Oksana.)

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When she wasn't trailing after Plant Boy, she was usually trailing after Askan. Today was no exception to that usual routine. She wasn't up in his space but she was lingering behind him a good amount like some sort of shadow. Although she highly doubted he would miss anything, she was there in the rare case he did. On the verge of eight months she was about as big as her superiors - still lacking the bulk, though - so she started acting like it. She practiced how to use her weight and defending the Edge Lord was the perfect form of practice.

Granted with her usually stooping about like an intimidating wall of wolf, it wasn't often her full height was seen.

Hawthorne was sniffing at something in the distance when she caught another dark form near Askan. Without missing a beat she worked her way over there in her typically brooding fashion. Her features were aggressive but they certainly weren't welcoming. Askan's reaction to the stranger would deter how she reacted.

And who are you, huh? A brow raised as she looked over the other girl like she had done with Hawthorne's superior moments ago.

(This post was last modified: Jan 01, 2018, 09:16 PM by Hawthorne.)

She seemed hesitant, almost nervous, as he scrutinised her. Good. It was the right way to approach this situation, for all she knew he could be yet another monster dressed as a man. Which wasn't to say he had any intentions of harming her, no, of course not. He was a dickhead, but he wasn't that bad. Mean and ornery, with a bad temper at the best of times, but cruel? He'd never stoop to that level,he just didn't have it in him.

He'd just been about to respond to her string of questions, when his shadow made herself known. He hadn't noticed Hawthorne, but these days he wasn't entirely surprised to learn she'd gotten better at creeping about. Despite the fact that she was taller than him, even if only by a little. Kids were like weeds in the spring, they grow so fast. But that was neither here nor there.

A hint-just the slightest trace- of a smile tugged at his lips at Hawthorne's not so kind question. The more time she spent with them, the more she acted and spoke like her superiors, squinty eyed and quick to judge. That's my girl, Askan thought, smug.

"Askan Selwyn, leader of Shallow's Edge. A pack to the south of your home." Askan told her, his tail flicking a little as if to gestuer to the woods behind them, the Falls of which the pair had just emerged from.

As for her second question, his shoulders rolled in a indifferent sort of shrug. "I know both of your parents actually. Not a big fan." Understatement of the year. And of course, he smirked at the thought that followed. Piddle.

"I used to live in the Lowlands so I know most of the wolves around here, including your parents and Lachesis." Whether she knew of their packs alliance was of little interest to him, so he didn't bother mentioning it.

And now it was her turn to share and care.

(This post was last modified: Jan 02, 2018, 01:07 AM by Askan.)

While her first meeting with Reid had gone well enough that she'd gained a new friend she could not say the same for this man. She didn't know him so it was best to remain cautious until she knew more which she going out that he in fact knew her mother. It brought up a bunch of other questions but the main ones being who he was to know her mother and how he knew her.

The answers to which would have to wait because another wolf joined them. A pup Oksana guessed no older than her and a girl. The question that rolled of the strange girls tongue was offered in rude tones which didn't impress the Baranski. She glanced at the man who declared himself Askan and the little Crow remained straight faced. She wondered if he would say anything to the girl, the pup doubted he would.

She ignored the girl for the time being, her rudeness was rather annoyed when Oksana hadn't been trying to be rude herself. Even the little Crow with her temper knew better than than to be rude to wolves she didn't know.

The more the man talked the more Oksana realized just who this man was. Her mother had spoken of him, explained about what happened and the results of it. Oh yes, after her father left Inna had explained everything so the little Baranski would know the reasons for it all. Inna felt she needed to understand especially why her father had left and why she had fallen so far into her depression. Oksana hadn't quite made up her mind in somethings but she knew better than to be rude to this Askan. She would not invite trouble.

She cared very little about what he thought of her parents as it was her own opinion of them that was all that mattered to her. He had even gone so far to mention Lachesis which was very good of him. “It's nice to meet you Mr. Askan,” she said in her best polite voice and she even offered a dip of her head since he was after all a leader. She'd seen the flick of his tail toward the forest, “I had no idea your pack was so close to the lake.”

The Baranski then turned her gaze to the girl as she sat back on her haunches. If these wolves were friends of Lachesis then she shouldn't have anything to worry about. “My name is Oksana Baranski, would it be too much trouble to give me your name?” She asked with a smile. She wouldn't make the same mistake her mother had made.

(This post was last modified: Jan 01, 2018, 11:53 PM by Oksana.)

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Hawthorne didn't like being ignored. In fact, it made her hackles raise and her ebony lip pulled back the slightest. If her superior wasn't by her side Hawth would've launched herself without a doubt. Teach her a lesson about respect and all that, that sort of mannerisms that were instilled into her thanks to Askan and Reyes.

But she stayed hunkered to her spot, hunched over and looking more brooding with the passing conversation. Askan had some interesting things to say though. What really snatched her interests was the comment regarding the girl's parents. The Lowlands were another thing to ask about but Hawthorne wanted to know the juicy stuff first.

Then the girl who had ignored her had the audacity to ask her name. Hawthorne didn't bother hiding her snort, head bopping as if she was snarkily considering answering. Hawthorne. She said, keeping it short and curt.

"It's not that close to the lake." Askan corrected, not wanting her to get the wrong impression. He wouldn't blame her for the sins of her parents but the last thing he wanted was for her to start giving the impression that his pack was stepping on Lach's toes. Because it wasn't, he'd made sure of that. "It's further south in the forest, near the Falls. Can't miss it."

Which wasn't to say he was offering an invitation for her to have a nose about in his woods, he wasn't. Again, it wasn't anything personal but that privilege was saved for close friends. That said, if she did happen to head that way he wouldn't chase her off either, as long as she played nice then he'd ensure his pack did the same.

The Edge Lord couldn't help but smirk a little at Hawthorne's curt response. She wasn't keen was she? Either she only liked Sachiel or Oksana had rubbed her the wrong way. He was inclined to think it was the former rather than the latter.

"I used to come here fairly often, can't really figure out why to be honest." He admitted with a shrug of his shoulders. He didn't like to swim nor could he fish and yet whenever the goings on in the north frustrated him he often came here to... vent, he guessed. He used to like open spaces but these days it felt like a little too much, too cold."It's freezing. Does your Mother know you're out here?"

Hawth was fine, Askan was right here, but could the same be said for the River pup-who was too big to really be referred to as such.