Hearthwood River his home is his kingdom.

Open for HR wolves!

This time, it had only taken Reyes two days to travel from his home to Hearthwood River – and he hadn’t even been moving under duress. The wolf took his time, pausing to investigate landmarks along the way; he was confident this would not be the last time he went to see the River King, and he rather imagined some of his subordinates might do the same in months to come.

Once he reached the well-marked borders within the redwood trees, Reyes drew to a lazy halt and threw back his head, calling for the Hearthwood alphas – this time, there was no real urgency in his voice. Either would do, though he hoped Lachesis would make an appearance. There was a great deal of news to share.

wanted to get this up before work -- HR wolves still free to jump in :B

His ears twitched at the call, his pale brows furrowing together as he rose from his perch at the river’s edge. The familiarity of it beckoned the Arctic forward but filled his head with a series of questions. He had not seen Askan and his mate, Reyes, at the hunt between the river wolves and Wild Rye and had been wondering where the pair disappeared to. There hadn’t been much time for proper conversation between the two packs, so his questions had not been answered at the hunt. But, it seemed like Lachesis was going to get his answers now, for the latter was knocking on his door.

His own mate was still under the weather, so he did not expect her to show up at the borders to greet their guest. Inna was usually not far behind his heels, or ahead of him, so he expected her nose to poke around. Especially since it was Reyes calling and not a loner.

As he neared the borders his pace slowed, a soft grin tugging at his lips. Reyes, he greeted, his shoulders relaxed and tail sweeping behind him. The dark wolf smelt of Askan and others—wolves who did not carry the Rye scent. His interest peaked, his chartreuse gaze soft. What brings you to the river?

stick with those who stick with you

Inna had set her daughter a task as part of her training. Since her return she had been helping Oksana to improve her hunting skills. The Baranski mother wanted her daughter's hunting skills to be as sharp as they could for a pup her size and age. If she was going to be sending her daughter out into the world she wanted to make sure she would survive. The only way she felt to do that was to ensure Oksana got the education herself.

The girl had set off to complete her task leaving Inna to wait for her by the river where the Raven got a drink before looking out across the river. It always brought memories to her, some good and some not so much. As she sat her tail tapping a rhythm behind her a call sounded through the territory. She of course recognized the voice and could help but wonder if he was here to whisper more lies to Lachesis.

Figuring Oksana would be busy for a time she felt she should at least look like she was doing her job. She made her way through the sequoias until she reached the border. Lachesis was already there and talking with the dark wolf. Silently Inna came to Lachesis’ flank and stopped a neutral expression on her features.

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Reyes was a bit surprised – if not pleasantly so – to see the ghost join him first at the borders. His tail moved in a slow wag, ears twitching forward as he greeted the older man with a wolfish grin. He did not have many friends, but he considered Lachesis among them. “Lachesis. Good to see you,” he rumbled, dark and smoky – and then only a moment or two later, his shadow appeared. Of course. “Inna.”

His mouth curled up in a smile, but his eyes did not hold the affection they did for the River alpha. If the she-wolf hadn’t shown up at Wild Rye Fields’ borders to kick up trouble, well – perhaps he and Askan wouldn’t be in their current position. Funny, how the world worked.

He turned his attention back to Lachesis. “Askan and I have founded a pack, two days south of here. Shallow’s Edge is located near the waterfall thereabouts. Thought I’d come up and say hello to the neighbors.”

And hopefully, establish a good connection with wolves he considered friends. Mostly friends.

It did not take long for Inna to join him. He knew that the dark male’s scent would attract the Baranski, for XIX knew that she was not fond of the scarred wolf. She would no doubt be curious as to why he was paying the river wolves a visit—just as he was. His legs stiffened as she flanked him, her fiery gaze fixated on their guest, not a word dripping off her tongue. These were his borders; he would not tolerate an outburst from the raven, not in front of Reyes. Lachesis had nothing against the southern wolf and his mate; he considered them some of his closest friends in the Lore.

His ears cupped forward as Reyes addressed him once more, speaking of Askan and… they had founded a pack? The news caused his tail to wag excitedly behind him, a wide smile breaking across his pale features. Two days south. That was do-able. Much closer than the golden fields had been, which meant Lachesis would have to pay the new leaders a visit (and to snoop). That’s wonderful news, he chirped in response, his tone genuine. He knew that the incident regarding Inna and Lorcán had stirred up some issues with both males and the Fields’ leaders, so the Stark was not surprised to learn that they had left and created their own pack. In fact, he was happy for them. I was wondering what had happened to the two of you when I didn’t see either of you at the hunt with Wild Rye. They were off doing bigger and better things. Didn’t peg either of you for the rye type, anyway, he added, a small laugh following his words.

stick with those who stick with you

Inna arrived at the border after Lachesis had already greeted Reyes so she felt it best to not disturb them as she appeared. She had taken notice of his and Askan's absence at the hunt so was only mildly curious about it. Other than that she didn't particularly care what the male wanted. She wasn't interested in starting any trouble with him. Her sole purpose of coming to greet their visitor was Oksana. She needed to do her job to make sure she could be there for her daughter. She knew Lachesis wouldn't tolerate her not doing it especially through the winter months.

The Baranski was a little surprised that Reyes had actually acknowledged her presence with a greeting. “Reyes,” she returned politely with a nod of her head. She then went quiet sitting back on her haunches. There clearly was no threat from the man toward Lachesis or Hearthwood.

The information he gave was interesting and something to be tucked away for later. Then as Lachesis finished speaking Inna decided to speak thinking it appropriate for the situation. “Congratulations and good luck. With winter coming it may not be easy since you're just getting started but I think if Lachesis agrees,” she glanced to Lachesis before returning her gaze to Reyes, “Hearthwood would be happy to offer what help we can if need be?” She said as more of a question toward Lachesis so that he could confirm her thoughts.

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Reyes allowed himself a low rumble, amused. Pleased, even. Others being happy for him was a strange phenomenon, not one he was used to…it felt pretty okay, though. Didn’t dwell on it too long, even when Inna offered up her congratulations as well. That was a surprise. He hadn’t expected the shadow to say anything, much less anything nice – their last interactions weren’t exactly those of a friendly variety. His eyebrows raised, if only by fractions, and then his expression returned to its usual.

“Mmm. After the fiasco with Inna and Lorcan on the borders, Jessie had words for me an’ Askan. I had words, too.” There was no need to go into great detail, interesting as his dirty laundry was, he saw no need to go further into it. “No going back, I guess. Parted ways on decent terms, though. Askan and Drestig are still friendly.” He wasn’t sure about the Rye Queen – if they were ever friendly, what she thought now. It probably wasn’t kind, whatever it was. Not like he cared.

Inna’s offer was interesting, but… His ears pricked up, watching the ghost. “We’re doing okay so far. But friendship with Hearthwood won’t be misplaced.”

The ghost’s expression remained neutral at Reyes’ comment about the clusterfrick that had occurred at the Rye borders. He had been both disappointed and shocked in his subordinates’ actions, even with knowing that they had been egged on by Reyan. Just because the pair had been brash with their own words did not mean Inna and Lorcán (especially the former) should have reacted the way they did. Threatening to sever an alliance over a few careless words was unacceptable—especially when it was not Inna’s place to even suggest the idea. Plus, the raven Baranski had told a different story, claiming the one Reyes had shared with him was inaccurate. But the ghost trusted the dark male just as much as he trusted his own packmates. Reyes had never given him a reason not to trust him.

That’s good to hear, he mused in response, his muzzle falling to the side. Things between the fields pack and Hearthwood remained good, even with the absence of the dynamic duo. He hoped that would continue, as there was no need for any fighting in the north.

The raven’s words shocked even Lachesis, for she had not expected her to speak or be so friendly toward the scarred male. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye before turning back to the charcoal man, a firm nod confirming her words. If you need anything do not hesitate to ask. I always carry a good stock of herbs, he added, his tail sweeping like a banner behind him, a soft smile causing his lips to curve upward. Hearthwood will be there for you whenever you need us, he assured the new leader, another nod accenting his words. 

stick with those who stick with you

Though it left a bad taste in her mouth Inna did the right thing or at least what she believed to he the right thing in offering her congratulations to Reyes. She was doing her best in this situation trying to remain polite with the man she suspected had a lot to do with what was going on in her life at the moment. There was nothing she could do so it was best to just move in like she had to with so many other things.

At the mention of what happened at the rye border Inna stood and took a couple steps forward, “I must apologize once more for my behavior that day. It was unacceptable and I hope it didn't get you into too much trouble with Jessie,” she then dipped her head. She then returned to her previous place at Lachesis flank.

Her offer was accepted by the dark man and confirmed by Lachesis which she was glad about since she had felt it was something the pale leader would have done. Of course all if this politeness and kind words toward the man made her want to cut her tongue out. She had to try though and be nice to the man who had ruined her life.

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There is a moose carcass that has been scavenged by coyotes nearby. +15 Health