Paradise Falls lawman

@Jethro / Colette!

The trees had been tall, endless in the way they reached for the skies. Andraste, a giant herself, felt as if she walked among ilk now. Yet the forest seemed to slope gently into a valley and it was there the scents were thickest. Undeniably this would be the place, no?

Yet her tail flicked softly. Curious and cautious. She had not been given the idea that savages lived here (nor would she mind if they did) but she still realized she was an outsider. Even if she came with a familiar face to the Fall wolves. She needed to be on her best behavior and alert of any signs she may be unwelcomed.

Would you like to call...?

A couple of days had passed in the presence of the stranger, and with each of them, Cole had grown more comfortable with her. More grateful for her saving efforts, and more certain of her continued mission. Her mind made up, they’d at last set off towards the falls on the third morning since she’d taken her absence.

While a fair portion of her attention was focused on making sure she didn’t actually trip and fall, Colette also continued to curiously eye her company. With her large frame, she seemed to fit here, amongst the massive trees.

Home came upon them quickly, though. The ghost offered a curt nod to her companion at the question and paused a few steps across the borders to send up a call for their dark leader.

It came as a surprise to hear Colette, of all wolves, calling for him. For as little as Jethro knew of her, she seemed a vague presence, a puzzling enigma of sorts. One that preferred, for whatever reason, to keep to herself. But she was someone he’d never had any reason to doubt. Even if he rarely saw her, he knew of her constant efforts, and appreciated them. .

Her call wasn’t urgent, but he moved quickly anyway, supposing it had to be something important if she felt it important enough to call.

”Colette?” He called as he neared, picking out her ghostly figure amidst the massive trees. But she was not alone. Beside her was maybe the tallest woman Jet had ever seen, and undoubtedly the reason behind the summons.

Tail waving amicably, he glanced between the two, offering the pair a smile and a nod. ”G’morning. What can I do for ya?”

It was a dark man that answered. No older or taller than her.

He greeted them with a seemingly laxed nature. At once she wondered if he greeted all this way or if it was only because she had come with a familiar face. Yet she did not give herself the same privilege just yet. Mindful of both her posture and the way her voice sat in her throat. If she wished for a true chance, she would not let her pride get the best of her here.

Good morning. I am Andraste Ikenthorpe. A soft nod of her head, kept lower than his instinctually. She knew the roles here. Colette was kind enough to bring me here in my search for a place to be.

A good deed for a good deed.

The dark man alone appeared from the cover of their home, with no sign of Flair or anyone else following. Colette found herself glad at this, for she still hadn’t any desire to face the other woman, or really anyone, for that matter.

His greeting was kindly but direct, the same sort of tone she was accustomed to from him throughout their tenure together. And mercifully he didn’t immediately question her absence, allowing Andraste to introduce herself instead.

The large woman’s posture and voice was different, too. Lowered a tad, respectful. The ghost took note of this, but nodded to the explanation as it was given.

”Yes. I was scouting near the lake, but slipped on a rock, knocked myself pretty good,” Colette added on, the less-than half-truth falling from her easily, complete with a tone that reflected apology and the wounded pride such an incident would bring. The ghost even shifted a little, to display healing scrapes on her flank.

”Andraste was kind enough to stay with me until I felt well enough to move. I am in her debt, and I apologize for my absence.” Her head bowed with this. She’d not known Jethro to be the type to hold a grudge for absences, but she’d be remiss not to speak it.

Andraste Ikenthrope, the stranger spoke. Here in her search for a place to be. Polite, but to the point, which Jethro was fond of. It always made these kinds of discussions easier and quicker, knowing what was expected or desired at the forefront.

Colette backed the statement and explained where she’d been over the last couple of days. He hadn’t intended to ask, but it was certainly appreciated. A quick glance at the healing wounds on her side seemed to corroborate the story, not that he’d ever had any reason to doubt Colette, despite her aloof nature.

”I see. Glad you’re alright.” he spoke, genuinely relieved that his packmate hadn’t been hurt more substantially.

”Jethro Kane. Pleasure to meet ya.” He added after returning his focus to the newcomer. This would mark the first time he’d utilized his newer surname in an introduction, but the dark one found himself pleased at how pleasant it sounded. At least to him.

”And thank you for helpin’ Colette. You’re welcome here at least as long as it takes to decide if you’d like to stay.” He certainly still had questions, and imagined she probably would too - but as far as Jethro was concerned, she was at least welcome as a guest.