Settling Down[Done]

[Stormy May]

Mest sat down at the border of Bleak Bluffs. Normally, he wouldn't bother with such formalities, but as his mother had always said, First impressions count. In this, at least, she had been correct. His first impression with a loner could mean the difference between having shelter for the night and sleeping in the rain.

This Treason was known to be quite strong and intimidating, considering the fact that she was, indeed, female. He'd have to get the message across that he wasn't looking for trouble, but he wasn't going to be looked down, upon, either. After all, this was more important than having a place to stay the night; he was going to begin the search for his sister.

Mest let out a sturdy howl: one that meant business, and awaited the answer.

[Gyllbane]

Treason almost can't believe her ears as another call rings out over the heathlands; so long without newcomers, and yet it seemed Spring had bloomed with more than just the local flora. She lifted her head, muzzle slightly bloodied from the field mouse she'd pounced upon after it had nearly walked across her paws, and set out to answer the stranger that had knocked upon her door.

"I bid you welcome." She spoke as she approached the male; she kept her curiosity under wraps, though she couldn't help but notice the male's striking similarity to a female who'd wandered near the border just days prior. "May I ask why you have called me?" Formalities were important, yes; Treason never assumed it was a wolf's intent to join, though it was rare that she was called upon for things other than joining, lately.

[Stormy May]

The strong looking female in front of Mest confirmed it without a doubt. This was Treason. "I'm looking for somewhere more permanent, you see," he said, a playful smile crossing his lips. "I need somewhere I can come back to and know for fact it's still there."

To him, the request sounded simple enough. He was being completely honest and straightforward. What could possibly make Treason want to turn him down?

If he was turned down, it'd certainly make the search more difficult. No matter what, though, Mest would keep searching. He'd vowed he'd never stop searching for Mist until he found her, be it her rotting corpse.

[Gyllbane]

"You're in luck, then." Treason nods. "We of the Honovi have held this land for many seasons." An ear flicked toward Mest, and she eyed him with the appraising gaze of a pack leader.

"But the Honovi is not a place to merely rest your head and nothing else. To be a part of this pack, you must contribute. You are free to pursue your own desires, but not at the detriment of the pack." She speaks this portion carefully; his second phrase had made her slightly wary, though not concerningly so as was often the case with new recruits such as this.

"And before further questions are given, I would like to know your name, and your alignment. I am Treason, and I am alphess of the Honovi."

[Stormy May]

Mest thought this over carefully. His destiny rested on this, however much he hated it. "I am Mest of the neutral alignment," he said as he thought through the more tedious statements. He had to please her to stay here.

"I'd be happy to help around," he said, weaving his words carefully. "But you must know, when I begin my quest, I'll be gone for long periods. This quest isn't something I can abandon." He reflected over his words for a moment, and when he was satisfied with what he'd said, he asked. "You have quite an aura of superiority. That's important for an alpha, especially a female, yes?"

[Gyllbane]

Treason watched Mest as he spoke - he seemed honest enough for a loner at the border, and she appreciated his truthfulness about his intentions, however vague they might be.

"I must command respect as an Alpha, yes. It would not do to have some frumpy creature leading one of the oldest packs in the Valley, would it?" She broke the barest hint of a smile; it seemed to be in jest, though every word rang true. "I respect your honesty. May I ask what sort of quest this is? As you'll be representing the Honovi in your travels, if you do join, I'd like to have some peace of mind that this quest won't fray on the Honovi's reputation in this Valley."

[Stormy May]

Mest respected Treason's request. She had to protect the good name of the pack- as well as her own name in general.

If only it weren't for Mest's hatred for asking for help.

"I'm looking for someone very important to me. I haven't seen her in a very long time and I'd like to know how she is."

Perhaps he'd sounded too shady, though it wasn't his intention. He felt that if he asked for help in his search, it'd somehow hurt his pride, or maybe cost the sentimentality in the moment he finally was reunited with the only living remainder of his family.

"But I'm also looking for a family here," he added after a moment of thought. Maybe it was a mind weary of travel, or too much time spent alone, but be felt a need to speak his feelings, which wasn't normal for him. "I've lost mine, and it's quite tiresome being alone all the time."

[Pride]

Treason listened to the Mest's answer, her expression taking on a slightly more solemn shade. Being the Alphess of a strong pack was a powerful position to hold, but it came with the price of loneliness. She had become quite intimate with the feeling of solitude, and knew both its freedoms and its burdens quite well. Escaping its clutches was a good reason to come to her border, but, it was not adequate enough for being allowed to join. She needed more— something solid that he could contribute to the pack in spite of his absences. She welcomed newcomers, but that did not mean that she would settle for a wolf who could not contribute to the pack as a whole. Everyone had roles to fill, and strengths to offer. If this wolf was to join, then she needed to know his.

He clearly had a reason for coming to the valley, one that he was loath to reveal to her, and if it did not affect the pack negatively then she found herself well capable of respecting the privacy of others. Still, pack life was not for those devoted only to their own motives. This wolf did seem willing to contribute, but she had to be sure before accepting him.

"I have come to understand loneliness well in my lifetime, but in order for you to join, I must be wary about using it as the sole reason to allow you to join the ranks of Honovi," her voice was still even, but still firm. "What specific strengths do you have to offer to my pack? Can you hunt, or fight?"

[Stormy May]

Mest could see doubt in Treason's eyes, and he couldn't bring himself to blame her. He was shady, to say the least, though he never intended it. Alone was all he knew; being open about his feelings or thoughts wasn't his strong suit. "I have yet to come across the need to fight, though I believe I'd be capable in time of need. I've faired well in many of my hunts. If there's anything else you'd have me do... I'd be happy to oblige." His last statement was tacked on the end. It'd been a last-second idea, and it almost pained him to say it. He even dropped his head a bit out of respect, though it was awkward and clumsy. He wasn't used to gestures like this.

[Pride]

Treason watched him for a moment longer, his responses seeming to roll over her like water off of a duck's plumage. Her face stayed frozen in the same, grim expression and for a long time she did not speak. Then, like a fire being struck in the dead of winter, a smile broke over her face. It was warm and proud, growing broader at his awkward gesture of respect. He had answered her questions and withstood her inquisition well, and for that as well as his frankness she could respect him. Based upon what he told her and his time spent as a loner, she had no doubt that he had the ability to survive, and as long as he was willing to apply that talent towards a larger community, she was sure that he would find welcome in Honovi.

"Your willingness to contribute to a pack is valued here, and Honovi needs as many wolves who are willing to shoulder its burdens as possible. However, burdens are not the only thing you shall find here, as we are also a strong and respected pack in the valley," her eyes glowed when she spoke of the wolves under her command. "I am sure that, given time, you will prove yourself an asset, and would only ask that you aid your pack mates when they require it. You are free to continue your quest as long as there are no ramifications that might bare down upon Honovi, and I will respect your desire to remain secretive."

[Stormy May]

Mest raised his head, shocked and joyful all at once. He realized it was showing on his face, then regained his composure. Had he not stopped himself, he probably would've laughed at her wide grin. "I appreciate your generosity and welcome. I hope that I shouldn't become a burden to you."

He thought for a moment. Perhaps Mist might like to join him here. They could be a family again. They'd never quite be whole, of that he was sure, but at least they'd be less broken.

"Is there anywhere I can settle down for a bit? Perhaps a hollow I could call home?" The thought of a home itself was odd. He'd never stayed anywhere longer than a few nights.

[Pride]

Treason thought, a place immediately jumping to mind for those in search of dens to make their homes in. "Deeper within my territory lies a place known only as the Rocky Outcrop to the wolves of Honovi. The stones there provide natural shelter, and have made adequate dens for the pack for generations. Over time several of them have been forlorn and abandoned by their former owners— you are welcome to one of these dens." She turned around, inviting Mest to follow her with the slightest flick of her ears.

Many of the dens were overgrown, their ancient denizens now long-gone, and their once-vibrant homes growing dark under the shadows of time. To her these dens had always seemed a haunted place, left to the ghosts of past wolves and the families that had once lived within. It would be pleasing to see them filled, and perhaps there would come a time when Honovi's forsaken dens would be empty no more. Granted, clearing the copious amounts of undergrowth would be a tedious task, but she had no doubt that a wolf such as this was up for it. They were ancient constructs, yes, but no wolf could doubt their sturdiness. Once the brush was cleared one would find the same, stone walls that had guarded countless others before still standing intact.

"You will find the dens northeast of here, and there is no mistaking the stones. I would accompany you myself, but I have a patrol to finish. I look forward to seeing you settle in Honovi." She dipped her head in farewell, sweeping around to vanish into the thick trees that grew along the border. "Goodbye, and good luck." And, with that, she was gone.

—Exit Treason—