Drooping Willows imagine leaving all your air behind

@Adeltra is welcome of course, but Cyril is specifically calling for @Ravenna and @Sven
no more than the 3 of them please :)
A recent heat wave has left the forest drier than usual.
scouting dem 1/3

It never took him long to reach the Ridge.

He was familiar with the route now and usually trailed beneath the shadow of the mountain to avoid unwanted run-ins with wolves of the Draw or any loners (or coyotes) that might slow him down. It had been too long since he had made a trip south to see his friend—three months to be exact. Shortly after her own father had passed. He had wanted to visit sooner, to make sure she was still doing okay, but the birth of his new brother and Lenae’s daughter had kept him busy. So had challenging Daesamar for the rank of second. His chest still swelled with pride at the thought, his steps quickening as he made his way through the familiar forest. He kept a swift pace to ensure he avoided attracting the attention of coyotes, but the threat of their presence still nagged at the back of his mind.

He tried to keep close to the shadows as the warm summer sun pushed hungrily through the trees. He could not remember if it had been this dry last summer; he had lived further north then, in the lowlands, where the temperatures had been much cooler than the heart of the Lore. Even the Tarn escaped most of the heat, as the high altitude shielded them from the dry heat that engulfed the forests below. Cyril was uncomfortable and tired but he pressed forward, determination keeping him moving as he only stopped to take a drink of water from local streams.

Shuffling to a stop at the borders of Willow Ridge he hesitated for a moment, the corners of his mouth tightening. What if his half-brother answered? What if Adeltra had gone? What if he couldn’t be diplomatic and do what his mother had asked him to do? Conversation had been something he avoided after the death of his father and he preferred to keep his words to himself as much as possible. Could he do this?

He had to. He had to be civil and courteous. Make his mother proud. Do scout things. Even if it made his stomach churn and his head spin.

Without further delay the boy tossed his nose to the sky and called for the leaders of the Ridge and only them. He knew that, if Adeltra was around, she would make herself present. He hoped, any way. He wanted to steal her away after his business meeting, but only if she wanted him to.  

(This post was last modified: Oct 16, 2018, 02:38 AM by Cyril.)

Sven had not just expected, but truly hoped, that he would never have reason to be in contact with Piety again, even through a proxy. Yet as he answered the call, and found his brother at the border, he feared this was what was occurring. Cyril had never called for them before, Adeltra always vanishing on her own to visit with the boy those few times he was able to visit. Clearly, that meant that this had to be something more.

Was something wrong? Had the yearling left home? Or did Piety believe any kind of civility between them was still possible?

He didn't even know the youth's name, and had this been a year earlier, Sven would've taken this moment to at least learn something about his sibling. He'd always been determined that no matter if the blood they shared was halved or not, he would not blame his brothers and sisters for what trespasses their shared parent might have committed. When it came to Piety's fragments, however, he just couldn't muster the energy to care. Absent has she may have been, the woman had drained him completely and left nothing but a husk.

"Yes?" he asked instead, not unfriendly.

leader dem 1/3

(This post was last modified: Oct 14, 2018, 04:06 AM by Sven.)

The voice that rang over the Willow territory, calling for its leaders, was not one she knew by heart personally. She wondered if it was another loner seeking shelter from the constant need to watch their backs against the influx of predators. It was either this or perhaps a visitor from Morganna's pack to bring some word. As she approached however she learned it to be neither. It was Cyril. He was the boy that had come along with his mother, Piety, with Adeltra on row safe and sound. Though Ravenna did not care for Piety's obvious lack in being a mother to Sven she could not help to feel grateful for her bringing the pup home safely.

Coming to stand close to Sven's side, she observed the youth curiously. "Hello... Cyril, was it?" She questioned, though believed herself to be right. He had visited a pawfull of times before and Adeltra had been out and about to see him in those hours. The distance had not stolen their friendship.

Unfortunately the young scout wasn’t greeted by the familiar face he had hoped for.

The first wolf to arrive his half-brother, Sven, one of the three wolves he had called for. Despite the nervousness that gnawed hungrily within the pit of his stomach Cyril remained composed, his expression neutral as the pale male approached. His demeanour was indifferent, but he had showed… which meant he was at least a little curious as to what Cyril had to say. Or he was just acting on his leadership duties.

Just as he was about to answer another wolf appeared—Ravenna, one of the Archers. Adeltra’s cousin. He adopted a more submissive stance, his head dipping to show his respect to the two higher ranked wolves. His closest friend had not yet made an appearance, which made him worry. Had she left the Ridge? Had something happened to her? He dismissed the thoughts at the woman’s voice, his attention focusing on her as he gave a short nod. Yes, he answered, almost sheepishly, I don’t think we’ve ever had a chance to properly meet. Mostly because he was too busy stealing Adeltra away. It’s been awhile since my mother and I left the south and we wanted to let you know that we’ve settled in the northern mountains, just south of the lowlands. Clearwater Tarn. He didn’t know if they’d care—especially Sven. Cyril knew that the male’s relationship was Piety was nonexistent. Adeltra told me about her father’s death and I’d like to offer my condolences to you as well. Was he doing this right? His tongue felt tired and overused already; he wasn’t good at this talking business but he knew he’d have to get over it if he wanted to be a scouting. Talking was part of the gig.  

@Sven @Ravenna and tag for @Adeltra if you still wanna join <3
scouting dem 2/3

(This post was last modified: Oct 16, 2018, 02:38 AM by Cyril.)

He was a lot less haughty this time, and Sven wondered if it was because he'd simmered down since whatever had riled him before, or if he was putting his duty first before whatever feelings or disposition had composed him before. Regardless, the Ridge alpha was pleased with the little surprise, and the tension in his shoulders relaxed a bit.

Piety had settled a pack of her own, eh? Or had she joined others? Did it matter? The information was only good for knowing where to avoid. He wouldn't say as much though, not yet anyways. Unless the woman attempted to form relations between the packs, it would be unnecessary to kick up a fuss; especially when it was only Cyril here, who did not need to get caught in the middle of his mother and his half-brother's drama.

"Thank you," he spoke in low tones, regarding the sympathies given for Nicolo's death. Sven had taken it hard; when Skoll left, Nicolo had become like a second father to him. He'd kept his pain close to the vest, however, and would continue to do so.

leader dem 2/3

(This post was last modified: Oct 14, 2018, 04:06 AM by Sven.)

There is a deer carcass being picked over by three coyotes. They spot you and become territorial of their kill.

With a lower stance and a quick nod of his muzzle the youth confirmed who he was and Ravenna nodded. "Unfortunately no, but that's okay. We have now." She spoke, a smirk toying at her lips only to subside when the youth continued on. He had been between here and back a number of times and knowing how far he and his mother had settled made that impressive. He was already a well versed traveler and scout, much like Adeltra had become. "That's a long way to travel on your visits here." And a long way to travel just to tell the Ridge about their establishment but she was glad for it none the less. Knowledge was power, as her mother had often lectured.

"Thank you." She said only, not going into any details for the youth seeing as if Adeltra had already told him then surely he already knew everything that he should. Ravenna was at least happy her uncle had lived out the remaining days of his life comfortable in his home, amongst packmates that tended to him and a daughter to comfort him. It was the way a pack wolf should go. Not starved and worn like her father or frozen to death like her sister.

"Is there anything else you'd been sent to deliver it were you here to visit @Adeltra as well?" She questioned, admitting her obvious knowledge of his visits. Certainly after coming all this way he would need a place to stay for the night away from the coyote. Already she could smell them near on the breeze. She wondered if Sven would allow it or object and force him to make due on his own. It was a call which she would leave up to her counterpart.

(This post was last modified: Sep 02, 2018, 09:13 PM by Ravenna.)

He nodded softly at Ravenna’s comment about the distance but the ebony boy had gotten accustom to the travel. He had created his own trail along the base of the mountain that he followed down toward the willows and seldom stopped (except to rest and maybe grab a bite or two). With each visit he got quicker and quicker, but the time between the visits was what grew longer. He had his own duties to tend to on the mountain just like Adeltra had her own at the Ridge. He feared that, eventually, their duties would tie them to their packs but he hoped for the best. He could not imagine a life without his amber-eyed friend in it.

His yellow gaze shifted as a small half-smile fell onto his dark features at the mention of Adeltra. I was hoping to seek her out after, he admitted, figuring it was better to be honest with the Ridge leaders, but Clearwater was also interested in establishing an alliance with your pack. We know it isn’t ideal, with the distance, but we would like to be on good terms. He hoped he was doing this right. Diplomacy had never been his strong-suit, but he hoped he was making his mother proud.  

scouting dem 3/3

(This post was last modified: Oct 16, 2018, 02:38 AM by Cyril.)

Of course, there it was, that thing which he would expressly refused offered to him just moments after the thought had crossed his mind. Sven had to wonder if Piety truly thought such a relationship could actually be maintained between the two of them, or if she was just grasping at straws, giving a 'it couldn't hurt to ask' attitude. Whatever it was, pure naivety or even provocation, the answer was the same. Always would be.

"No," he informed the younger wolf flatly. There were no possible circumstances that would ever entice him to trust Piety, and while he had never expressly discussed the matter with Ravenna, he felt confident that she would understand and support him all the same. It was what made them such a successful pairing; intuitively aware of each other's emotions and loyal to each other foremost.

"The Ridge will never be open to an alliance with any pack of Piety's. 'Good terms' are fine as long as she can accept that boundary, and you're certainly always welcome to have a stay when you want to see Adeltra regardless."

It was, after all, perfectly possible for packs to maintain friendly relations without being bidden to one another.

"Especially with all these half-wits hanging around," he added in, throwing a sneer in the direction from which the stench of coyote wafted. They were just visible at this distance, and the scent of blood accompanied their presence. He'd be sure to send @Blackmoore and @Blitz after them to steal whatever they had and chase them away, after they'd gotten Cyril inside and safe. If the boy was willing to come along after being turned down, that was.

"Come on, we can take you to Addy and you can rest up from your journey."

leader dem 3/3

The young wolf spoke up, stating that Clearwater had an interest in developing an alliance with them despite their distance and Ravenna found herself giving a start, body tensing and she was silent a moment. Silent because she knew the answer and knew that Sven would likely be the one to speak it. And he did, giving a flat no to his half brother. Ravenna didn't expect anything more or less. After all, Piety had abandoned him as a child, leaving her son to the devises of her father. Piety had broken pack law in order to breed with Skoll, knew the consequences of her actions. It would have been expected that a mother would have wanted to stay with her child after risking so much but no.

Unexpectedly though Sven continued, smoothing over his words by saying that they could be on well terms, especially when it came to Cyril coming to visit his friend as he pleased. Ravenna found herself in agreement to her nephew, as typical. It's what made them work so well. Willow Ridge had not been so unified since Elettra and Angier ruled together. "Ah, yes I'd imagine that being three days away would do little good should sudden trouble happen, be it a raid, an accident or helping hunt together in the winter..." Ravenna added to this, stating that even if they had agreed to an alliance, surely not much could have become of if. "You can always have a place to rest your head here when scouting." And of course whatever information he decided to bring with him from the north. Perhaps it was more like an alliance with Cyril then the pack itself.

Listening in on Sven's last bit, she nodded her head in agreement, casting her eyes to the coyotes on the horizon. It would be best for Cyril to stay for now in the safety of the willows. She turned with a final gesture and made her way back into the territory.