Kingsfall Like a star you fade away

for @Lachesis Back dated this to the 19th, hope thats okay for you! scout dem 1/3

It seemed like the obvious thing to do, but from what Askan could tell no one had Asked their eastern neighbours whether they had seen Percy or not. Their relationship- if you could even call it that- was shaky at best, so he could understand why no one had ventured out this way yet. But even so, as he waded through the snow he couldn't help but be a little resentful. Wasn't it obvious that the first thing they should do is ask about? Rather than just wonder about aimlessly?

Askan had been to these woods before, but he was still a stranger and felt like an unwelcome presence beneath the towering sequoias.  He doubted that Percy was here,or that she had even passed through, but what was the harm in asking? It had to be better than doing nothing, and maybe just maybe this trip would be worth his efforts and bare fruits.

Stepping close to where he knew the border line laid, Askan came to a stop and tilted his head to the sky, letting out a beckoning call for whoever was listening. All he wanted to do was ask, he wasn't here to hunt or be social. And even less, he didn't want to cause any trouble. Not when so much as already at stake. Like last time, when he had spoken to Inna, he wasn't expecting any miracles. And it was silly of him to be so hopeful, to even let himself think there was a chance she could be found today but, well he couldn't help it. Being a pessimist, whilst it came naturally to him was painful. And as things were, he couldn't deal with that pain, the way his heart hurt deep inside his chest.

It was simply a waiting game at that point, either someone would answer his call or they wouldn't. The ball was in the River wolves' court, so for now he hunkered down, his paws inches away from the invisible border line.

(This post was last modified: Mar 27, 2017, 04:43 PM by Askan.)

@Askan <3 works for me!

Hearthwood had always done well in keeping to themselves. With the disbandment of the Pines wolves south of their borders, the river wolves remained isolated in the woods of the expanse. While relations were good with the Whitestone pack XIX still steered clear of their borders, usually veering to the south of the monadnock if he wanted to go west. However, with the addition of a third pack in the north, the ghost had to tiptoe between the borders of Whitestone and Wild Rye. Their hunting grounds in the tundra had decreased, but they had also expanded into the Vale. His toes curled in excitement at the idea of exploring more of the territories beyond the lake. This expansion also meant there were more plants to be found, which meant more inventory for his infirmary. At the thought his lips curled, tail swaying softly behind him as he left the the river camp behind him.

Just as the pale leader was deciding which route to take a call sounded, echoing through the trees. His ears twitched, brows falling into a hard line. It did not come from a familiar source, which only sparked his curiosity even more. Without hesitation, his pace quickened and his direction changed, long legs seeking out the wolf at his borders.

A dark shape waited, patiently, at the edge of the trees, carrying the grainy scent of the Fields pack. Perplexed, the ghost approached with cautious steps, chin angled high as he studied the dark stranger. Was there something the pack needed from Hearthwood, or was a friendly visit? With the expression worn by the yellow-eyed wolf, Lachesis assumed it was not the latter. “What can I help you with?” He asked once he stopped, his expression neutral as he studied the stranger knocking at his door. 

stick with those who stick with you

scout dem 2/3

Askan wasn't kept long, which was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, he wanted to get this over and done with, he wanted to find out if they had any idea where Percy was, or where she could be. He wanted to cling onto the little shreds of hope he had left, he was pouring all of his energy into looking for her and he wanted it to mean something. For his efforts to bare fruit. But on the other hand he hadn't quite had the time to think of how he wanted to word this, or what exactly he wanted to say. He was no master conversationalist, it could even be argued that he wasn't a novice yet. To say that he was irritating and difficult to be around wasn't exactly a lie, he knew what and who he was, but even so he had to try. For her.

Climbing to his feet, Askan cleared his throat as the white wolf approached. Without even mentioning his name, Askan could see that he was an alpha. It was in the way he carried himself, his head held high and his shoulders set and sure. This was his land, the Selwyn had to pay his dues, even if it went against his normal course of actions. It felt unnatural, made his stomach churn with uneasiness but he was willing to do this, to make this sacrifice once more if it were for the greater good.

"Yes, I'm Askan Selwyn, the second of Wild Rye Fields." He bobbed his head as way of greeting. "By any chance have you seen a pup, mostly black with a white patch on her chest? Has orange eyes? Goes by the name of Phoenix, sometimes Percy. Because...I'm not sure if you are aware, but from what the Whitestone wolves have told us, one of their pups has been attacked by a black wolf. And that there is a possibility that this wolf could have taken Percy hostage."

As to whether Askan believed the Whitestone wolves in the first place, well honestly he was on the fence. They were assholes for sure, but would they lie about the state of their pup? Would they concoct a story like this for the fun of it? Even for them it seemed to much. But on the other hand he knew stranger things could happen.

"Even if you don't know anything about her, I just thought I should warn you. Your pack likely has pups of your own, and it would be unspeakable for me to put them at risk by not telling you."

(This post was last modified: Mar 27, 2017, 04:43 PM by Askan.)

There is a deer that was killed by a lynx nearby. +10 Health

The dark stranger responded without hesitation, quickly introducing himself and explaining the reason behind his visit. His ears twitched at the name—Askan. This was the wolf Inna had told him about; the one who was not fond of Craw and the other Whitestone wolves. His brows narrowed slightly as Askan asked if he had spotted a raven-coloured pup, a weight blossoming in his chest at the mention of one of the monadnock pups getting attacked. XIX’s thoughts immediately went to his daughter, who was currently out looking for her brother. The ghost prayed that Atropos did not encounter the same wolf and returned to him safely. He did not know what he would do if he lost her, too.

“Lachesis Stark,” he introduced once Askan finished speaking, his chartreuse gaze focused on the younger male. “I have not seen a pup matching that description, I’m sorry to say. I will check with my wolves and find out if one of them has crossed paths with her. I will be sure to send them your way if they have any information,” he promised with a sharp nod. Regardless of their alliances, the kidnapping of a puppy was a serious offence and would not be taken lightly. Once Askan left the borders, XIX would be sure to seek out the river wolves to alert them of what had happened, so that they could look for both the missing pup and the attacker. “Thank you for telling us,” he added, his head dipping in respect. Ten points to Wild Rye Fields. He was still cautious about the wolf standing before him, based on what Inna had told him. But he did not allow those thoughts to disturb his composure. “I do hope you find her—and her attacker. You have my word that Hearthwood will be looking for both of them.”

stick with those who stick with you

scout dem 3/3

From first impressions, Askan felt as though Lachesis was a good man. It was just... What could he say? He was disappointed that he didn't know where Percy was. He knew it was foolish to get his hopes up, but he couldn't help it. He just wanted to find her so badly. At the very least they'd have another pack looking out for her. Four packs were better than three right? The more eyes they had searching the more likely someone would find her. That is what he had to believe.

"No, thank you. Really. It means a lot to us. I'll admit I was a bit worried to ask, considering the circumstances and all." Askan was well aware of the alliance between the Whitestone wolves and the River wolves. And that in the grand scheme of things the Rye wolves were the out liars, the unwelcome new addition. "But I didn't come here with politics in mind. Everyone will feel better knowing that their children and pack members can safely roam the Lowlands without needing a chaperone." He shrugged, hoping the alpha would take his words as intended.

As tempting as it was, Askan wasn't here to slag off their northern neighbours. He'd said so with Inna, but perhaps in hindsight that hadn't been such a good idea. There was no taking it back now, because if they suddenly started singing their praise it would no doubt come across as a little odd. As though the Rye wolves were not only flippant but also untrustworthy. Which was as far from the truth as one could possibly get, the Rye wolves were an earnest bunch. There wasn't a bad seed amongst them. And sure, Askan wasn't exactly fast friends with them all but even he knew that they were good men and women who had chosen to follow a good man and a stern woman. That was all.

There was one more thing he had to ask, it wasn't imperative but he figured he might as well go ahead, now that he was here.

"Does Aleksei live here? I met him a few months back and I... Was wondering how he was getting on?"

(This post was last modified: Mar 27, 2017, 04:43 PM by Askan.)

@Askan <3

A soft smile rolled onto his pale snout as the chocolate wolf began speaking once more, admitting his worry to the ghost. “Our packs are on neutral terms, Askan,” he responded smoothly, a friendly wag accompanying his words, “Hearthwood will help the Rye wolves in whatever way we can.” Aside from their lingering presence, Lachesis had no quarrels with the newcomers. They were closer to the monadnock than they were to the Kingswood, but their presence still worried him. Mostly because the river wolves had been the only pack in the expanse for quite some time before more wolves began migrating north. Whitestone had grown at an alarming pace, which was why XIX had chosen to align with them initially. The Fields pack had taken their time in making themselves known, which worried the ghost.

However, the wolf before him did not appear aggressive. He just wanted to find the rogue that was lurking around the lowlands. And so did Lachesis.

His ears twitched at the male’s question, his features softening considerably. At first the ghost nodded, peridot eyes focused on his dark companion. “Yes, he does,” he started with a soft roll of his shoulders, his tone much softer than it had been before. “He returned to Hearthwood not too long ago. He’s doing… better,” he assured with a gentle sigh. The Baranski had returned home to find his siblings had disappeared and his father had died… he was certainly doing his best.  

stick with those who stick with you

Neutral terms huh? Askan supposed that was one way of putting it. The River wolves harboured no real animosity towards the Rye wolves, but at the same time they felt no affection for them either. It was comparable to how Askan felt about lesser species of animals, like coyotes or foxes, a bit of a nuisance but not worth throwing a fit about. Was that all they were?  The Selwyn glanced up at the alpha's expression, expecting to see a look of contempt or the like, but instead was met with a smile an amiable wag of his tail. Askan couldn't possibly pin down Lachesis' true feelings but he couldn't help but realise that he'd jumped to the wrong conclusion. That the white alpha might not like them, but he certainly didn't hate them either. They were truly in the middle. So when he promised that he would help, he meant it and truly intended to honour his word.

"Thank you, really. And it works the same way for us, if there is anything you need assistance with I will do everything in my power to do so." Perhaps it wasn't his place to promise such a thing, but it felt only right to do so. If he truly wanted to improve things with the River wolves then they had to be on the same page and of equal footing.

At the mention of Aleksei the alpha relaxed quite a bit and even Askan-who struggled with the intricacies of socialisation and body language- could see the sudden rush of warmth and affection that dawned on his face. They were family then? If not then at the very least they were close. Now, by no means could Askan claim that they were the best of friends, as they'd only met once, but as callous as he could be Askan wasn't soulless. At the time it had been clear that Aleksei was upset and like any good man Askan wanted to know how he was doing, and whether he was feeling better. It pleased him to hear that he was, so much so that he had a hard time smothering the smile that threatened to tug at his lips.

"That's good to hear. When I saw him last he was upset about his Father, that he'd died recently or something. Just didn't think that anyone should have to deal with that on his own. So we talked for a bit. I'm not good with giving advice but...Can you tell him I said hi or something. That he can drop by whenever? If he wants." Askan shrugged, frustrated at how lame he sounded.

(This post was last modified: Mar 27, 2017, 06:50 PM by Askan.)

@Askan you could use this thread for scouting lp? maybe? i think? :x

close proximity, but the dark wolf before him was a rather… pleasant surprise. Even Drestig, who he visited the Hearthwood borders not too long ago, had not been dreadful. He was still wary of their intentions, of course, for they had lingered for quite some time before establishing themselves south of the monadnock, but as long as they remained neutral with the western pack XIX was content. The ghost had been biased due to Craw’s feelings on the new pack, for he had been disgruntled by their settlement. It had come as a surprise to the river wolves, as well, for they had lived in the north alone for quite some time before other wolves began to migrate north. They were nestled in the Kingswood, away from sight and territory disputes, and XIX wanted to keep it that way. He did not want to get dragged into the fight between Whitestone and Wild Rye unless absolutely necessary.

The only problem was, what side to choose?

“I will keep that in mind, Askan,” he added softly after the espresso-coloured wolf spoke, his lips still curled into a small smile. Even if the alliance did not extend to the whole pack, he at least hoped that he had established some sort of relationship with the wolf before him. If the rest of the Fields pack was anything like the golden-eyed Selwyn, Lachesis was positive that they would get along swimmingly.

His head tipped to the side as Askan began speaking of the agouti Baranski, his ears twitching as his curiosity peaked. It pleased him to hear that the dark wolf and his (sort of) nephew had gotten along during their encounter. Perhaps this a was a good sign for the two packs. “Absolutely,” he chuffed in amusement, his forehead smoothing as he studied the younger wolf. “We’re all still struggling with his father’s passing. He was an exceptional leader and was a close friend of mine, as well. Aleksei had been absent from Hearthwood when he passed away—I think he feels guilty about that,” the ghost mused aloud, his lips falling into a soft line. “I think a friend is exactly what he needs. You’re welcome to visit him, here, anytime,” he added, mirroring the shrug that Askan had given. 

(This post was last modified: Mar 27, 2017, 06:14 AM by Lachesis.)

stick with those who stick with you

Oh yes, I always forget these things. Thanks <3

In the end Askan wasn't sure how much his offer was worth, or even if the alpha thought anything of it, but he meant what he said. He was a man of his word through and through. Besides, compared to their northern and southern neighbours the River wolves seemed civil in every sense of the word. He'd only met three so far, so it was a little early to draw a conclusion, but he had to admit it was impressive that he didn't dislike and or hate at least one of them. That wasn't to say this was how it would always remain, but for now Askan decided this pack was okay.

The Selwyn didn't know whether Lachesis would approve of his poorly worded ramble, but despite his antisocial nature the prospect of getting to know Aleksei better wasn't a bad one. It didn't make him cringe or feel a little queasy. Sure, they'd met in a strange sort of circumstance but perhaps, in a strange twist of fate, it helped him understand the River wolf better than if he'd met him at his best. It wasn't as though Askan had been in top condition either, so he couldn't hold it over his head like blackmail. They'd both been equally broody, there was no denying it.

His worries seemed to be in vain as the River alpha's temperament shifted for the better and a smile pulled at his lips. He approved then? And was even welcome to visit anytime? Now that wasn't an offer he expected, but it was one he was certainly grateful for. So much so that his tail slowly began to flick side to side. He was happy of course, this was good news but he couldn't over do it. He was an adult, not a damn pup would jump for joy at the first sign of good news.

"Thanks...I'll have to drop by when things aren't so bad."

That was right though, this wasn't just a simple casual visit. He'd come here to ask about Percy and just as he had feared they hadn't even caught a glimpse of her. Trying to swallow the lump that formed in his throat, Askan nodded. Then nodded again, for some reason.

"Same goes for you and your people. Feel free to come over whenever you feel up to it. Offered Inna to come in the spring so she could see the grass. I think she'd like it." He wasn't exactly sure what the alphas would think of that but, his offered had good intentions. It was a show of good faith, so to speak.