She wasn't a fucking chicken. She was going to do this. Fortune favors the brave, so she would balls up and get it done. Gritting her teeth she moves to the edge of the Plains, dichromatic gaze on the late afternoon horizon. Everything was so strange. Was she even feeling anything real? This feeling of homecoming for a place that she'd never seen? This had to be it. It just... it just smelled like Adravendis. This place was so different, and yet so the same. Fortune longed for her brothers, but whatever, they were sissies. She'd left home ahead of them, and she was going to get home before them. She'd show them. Hell, maybe she'd even be at the head of the ranks before they even got here. The young woman absolutely loved to get under their skin in that manner. It was too perfect. In a voice that matched her father's, if an octave higher, she howls. Head tipped back, tail wagging. Awoo. That's it. That's what she has for them. Silhouetted gallantly against the hazy late afternoon, she waits. The border, but she wanders forward just a bit out of boredom. Just a bit. A pacing circle, and then she stops again. No guts, no glory, right? Some strange feeling wells up in her chest, one that she can't put a name to. It's a mix of homecoming and homeleaving, she is both happy and sad and... there's no name for that. There's no way to talk about that. Gallant. They'd come eventually. fortune shock & awe

A huff would leave her as she lay underneath the shade of a tree. She really couldn't remember summer ever being this hot before. Granted she had spent one of them in the mountains, but still. Border patrols had become a thing she was dreading. The lighter thinner part of her coat did her justice, but where it grew darker it felt like the sun was setting her ablaze. So she'd taken a break from her patrols to find some relief from the unrelenting ball of fire in the sky. To her dismay her break had come at such an inconvenient time. She'd only been resting for about less than half an hour when a howl broke the silence. Ears perked up and she sprung to her feet. Was that? No... was it? She couldn't ever remember anyone actually coming to the borders to join them. Typically it was either her or Regulus dragging wolves home after they'd found them elsewhere. Yet here someone was calling for a higher ranking wolf to come meet them. Excited. That's how she felt now. She could barely contain it behind a layer of practiced authority as she trotted towards where the sound had come from. Her tail waved at an elevated place behind her and her eyes with bright with merriment. It didn't take her long to reach the stranger, but when her gaze rested upon the woman she felt a strange sense of familiarity that could only be achieved by looking at a family member. She shook the feeling away and instead smiled warmly at the other wolf. "Greetings. What brings you to Celestial's borders?" She had to resist cringing. It sounded so diplomatic and formal. She hated it but it was necessary. Walk, "Talk" Think

The woman that stood before her was... one of the smells. One of the smells that rested along the border, one of the ones that was. One of. Fortune feels very much a girl beside the woman, though she's a decent amount taller at the shoulder. Taller, stronger, heavier. She lacks speed. Authority seems to seep from the other creature, but Fortune didn't dare let herself feel small. Shoulders back, head high, near toxic eyes fixing on the other lady. Dichromatic. They both had it, though the colors reflected back upon her own were... classier. Fortune holds back the inward snort she can feel bubbling up. Now was not the time. Maybe the time would come-- not now. "I'm an Adravendi. My father, my mother, they both called this place home." Her tail wags slightly, peering at the lady with the red face. The glimmering gem about her neck catches her eye, but she doesn't ask. She wouldn't ask yet. There's a breath held inside Fortune's chest. She needed an answer, she needed some semblance of recognition, at least, before she asked for shelter. Had the Adravendi name been pushed out? Did the no longer exist here? Fortune would be crestfallen if they did, but she just... needed... to know. fortune shock & awe

Faite's eyes would study the other woman that was about her age. The other girl certainly had her on height, but most wolves did. Faite wasn't tiny, but she wasn't large either. A little less than average was probably the best term for it though in a world with giants she often felt quite small. This woman seemed to be about the height of her mother, similar colors too, which was comforting in a way. The same sense of familiarity hit her again and she shoved it back. She'd find out soon who she was and until then her gut could quit it. She introduced herself as an Adravendi and Faite found a grin slowly forming on her muzzle. So she was family. She didn't look like Dagger or Acapella so she doubted she was from their litter. Maybe one of their other family members? It was hard to tell considering Faite had never met them before. "It still surprises me how big our family is." She grinned. "I'm Faite Adravendi. Daughter to Surreal. My brother Regulus runs the pack and I'm his secondary alpha." She offered the information easily now to help catch her up. If she was family that meant she was at least interested in meeting them, right? Walk, "Talk" Think

Fortune's eyes are bright as they fix on Faite, tail wagging. She feels lovely. Everything feels lovely, and she's found her way home. Things are better. Things could only get better from here, right? She'd found the place that would keep her safe. She'd found the place that her family still called home. She'd found it. Her heart is aflutter, and relief washes over her entire system. It was easier this way. It was far easier, eyes resting on the woman before her. Tail wagging. They were... cousins of sorts? With a family tree that big it can be a little hard to tell. "Fortune Adravendi, of Alsander and Ashtoreth. I came to ah. Find this place." Fortune's tail wags. "I was wondering if I could come home." The girl's posture shifts slightly, gaze sitting on the other woman's face. She didn't know how to phrase what she was asking. Home. This could be home. fortune shock & awe

Faite would study Fortune's behavior. Logically an Alpha would wanna make sure whoever their prospective members were that they'd be good for the pack. Considering Fortune was family Faite was more inclined to whisk her right in and welcome her home. She had to avoid such excited actions and instead would calm herself. Instead she focused as she introduced herself as a child of Alsander and Ashtoreth. She could feel her grin widening as she asked if she could come home. "A few of your cousins are here. Dagger and Acapella, so I hope you'll take the time to meet up with them. They'll be excited to see a family member with more direct blood ties." She'd pause for a moment before continuing. "But we'd love to have you Fortune. What rank would you be interested in taking? There's Legionary, Hunter, Healer, and even a rank for Emissaries. You'll still be placed as a Unit for now, but we'll welcome you to take your test soon to see if you need any extra training or not." Walk, "Talk" Think

A wave of relief crashes over Fortune as Dagger and Acapella's names both come up. It actually physically puts her on her haunches-- "Oh thank gods they're safe, they're here." She'd been worried, though she had a hard time showing it. Fortune, sometimes, had a hard time showing anything. It was easier within her family. Outside of that, there was really nothing that she needed-- nothing that she wanted. Everyone her age was starting to settle down, but Fortune well... she's got a lot of leaving left to do. Fortune favors the brave, fortune doesn't favor fools, all of the adages she feels the need to live up to. She had to be all of those things for herself before she could even start to think about starting a family of her own. But here she is, sitting before Faite, and she can't help but feel more than she has in what seems like ages. The topic comes up, the grand question-- what will she be? What will she become? They hang heavily in the air, and she gets back to her feet (feeling a little sheepish about her display moments before, to boot.) "A hunter, and maybe I'd like to learn to take the emissary's part later on. Hunting though, I can already do." She grins softly at her cousin (cousin? That felt right, sort of), tail wagging. Gotta hunt to keep yourself alive. Gotta hunt to keep everyone else alive. She's got the potential to be all stacked muscle and raw power-- she'd just have to build it. Practice, practice, practice. fortune shock & awe

Faite smiled as Fortune revealed that she did know of Dagger and Acapella. That was good. While she hadn't a whole lot of clues as to who her extended and distant family members were, she had a vague idea of their parents at least so she could easily recognize their line as far as who's parents were who. If Dagger and Acapella knew Fortune she could imagine that'd make the transition into pack life easier. If not then Faite could easily point her their way so they could formally get to know one another. At least her transition would be easier than Jorrvaskr's. Hopefully. At least Fortune spoke the common tongue. Faite grinned at Fortune as she debated on what rank she wished to pursue. To her surprise Fortune named not one, but two different ranks she wanted to pursue. She thought about it for a moment. Acapella was still ranked as a Unit and with Varda leaving they had no more hunters in the pack. Fortune had come along at a nearly perfect time. "Well you can't hold two ranks, but I'll place you as a Hunter now. Typically you'd start off as a Unit but we need Hunters in the pack, so I'll be expecting you to prove yourself very soon." She smiled at her, glad she could promote someone. They needed to fill the ranks. "Do you have any questions, concerns, ideas, anything regarding Celestial?" She asked, trying to see if Fortune wanted to know more about the pack. Walk, "Talk" Think

Fortune doesn't think for a moment that she'd be a round peg in a square hold, or whatever that expression was. That wasn't an option. This was her family, and family cares for family-- no matter what. That's how it works. That's how she functions. Now that she has her family here, there's nothing else in her mind that she needs. She has everything. She'd pick out a den on her own, but not too far off, and she'd pray that her father received a sign that she was safe. Always a daddy's girl, she'd want him to know. Mom too, of course. They'd worry. But it was safe now, safe to send her brothers. She'd blazed the trail-- Fortune was the first. The grin on Fortune's lips mirror's Faite's. There's something bright about her in this moment, she's ready and raring to rise to a challenge. "Sounds fantastic." Her tail is wagging, head tossing. Oh how lovely everything feels. Oh how lovely she feels, today, under the light of the summer sun. "I have one question-- do you have time to go catch something now?" It would be bonding. She could get to know the other woman, if she had the time of course. Faite had to be a busy woman, but they could take down bigger prey if they were together. They could take down something bigger and stronger, they could feed more mouths. "Feel free to say no, you're a busy lady, but there's still daylight left," Fortune's eyes are bright, and she's nearly ready for lift off with all the energy in her system. She's elated. She's home. fortune shock & awe

Fortune's energy was a welcoming addition to the pack. She had a fire to her that made Faite grin. Not to mention her name was another thing Faite found ironic. Faite and Fortune. Her mind then drifted to Luck and her grin broadened. Get all three of them together and it would have been a party humorous enough to tell Regulus about, though she could see herself telling him anyways. What were the chances? And Luck wasn't even related to them in any way so that made it all the more intriguing. The russet alpha was more than surprised when Fortune asked if she had the time to catch something. Her head tilted slightly as she mused over the idea. She hadn't expected Fortune to be so eager to get started, though she was pleased that they had another hunter so ready to do things. It seemed she'd prove herself worthy of the hunter rank already. Regulus would be more than happy by that fact. Ever since Varda left they'd been needing someone else. "No you're right, there is still daylight left. Why don't you lead the hunt? It'll give me a good assessment of your skills." She smiled now, ready to see what Fortune had to offer. Walk, "Talk" Think

There's a fire in her eyes and a fire in her belly. It's beautiful, and it keeps Fortune alive. It's pretty much the only thing that kept her alive more than once, so she'd continue to do it. Continuing to survive purely out of spite for the world around her-- how lovely was that. Fortune favors the brave, after all. Fortune is the brave. Fortune is the brilliant, Fortune is the strong. She can do anything she cares to and she can do anything she puts her mind to. There's a grin on her face as Faite agrees to a hunt. Fortune is nearly vibrating with the anticipation of it, with the idea of it. Her heart is very full in moments like these, and there's a sense of camaraderie that comes with standing beside someone else for a hunt. Two ladies, two cousins, that had the potential to be unstoppable together. Maybe Fortune was thinking a little big, but that was just fine with her. That was more than fine that was flawless. "I could smell some sheep around the fringes of the plane, are you up for it?" Fortune's eyes are bright, but if Faite is more in the mood for any of the gamebirds that called the prairie home, she wouldn't be averse. It was farther down the boarder that she'd seen and scented the beasts, a small outcropping of rock on the plane, an area with enough shelter to potentially be a den. Not too difficult, they'd just have to cut one from the herd and take it down. Fortune is bold, scrappy, and hungry. It feels lovely. fortune shock & awe

Fortune seemed rather excited that she'd agreed to a hunt. Faite was feeling rather good about herself. Despite the fact she was rather busy throughout the days it still felt good for the one on one socialization. It meant that balance was indeed possible between family and being a leader and eventually she'd find the proper balance if she worked at it hard enough. To be able to make free time for her siblings so she wasn't super serious all the time with no time for fun or hanging out - well it was something she wanted. She didn't like the idea of alienating herself from them as she had with her travels. Fortune's grin was contagious and soon Faite found herself smiling all over again. Her energy radiated off of her in bounds and it was something the russet woman found she liked about her larger cousin. She could certainly see her fitting in well here and the fact she could already see her hunting skills on the first day of joining... well her enthusiasm was a nice change. "She sound good." She decided. She didn't feel like tracking down an entire deer. It was a bit much for two wolves to take on without a few more to join in. The thought of smaller game like birds and rabbits was also displeasing. She wasn't overly fond of birds due to their feathers and rabbit... well rabbit was a common food. She wan'ted something a little different. "Lead the way." She grinned. Walk, "Talk" Think

Birds were something that you hunted when you were teaching someone small how to make their first kill. Hares as well, so much work for so little meat. Common foods, foods that you shouldn't have to put up with when you were on your own. Fortune would lead Faite on a grand adventure, and she would bring her to the place they could dine like kings. They would be lovely-- Faite and Fortune. Jesus, it made her chuckle. It feels good. It feels so good as she tosses her head, keeping track of the scent on the wind. Yes, they were out there, right where she'd left them. Fortune is a superb tracker, and she always has been. Leading with her right foot and her head high, Fortune takes off in the lead. No need to expend too much energy getting there, but it's hard to hold herself back from a giddy jog. Her feet kick up and her head tosses, eyes glimmering brightly in the daylight. She's soft and strong all rolled into one, strength and a build like her father's. It shines through as she moves, not wanting to create too much noise as they near the place she'd seen the sheep before. "We need to go the long way, keep them up wind, so they don't smell us and scatter." Fortune's voice is gentle, quiet, as they nearly have a visual on the sheep. Shes' dropped low, belly down, hiding behind a small copse of rocks. They were safe here, but they'd need to cut farther around and then to the area of flat grass that the sheep were grazing. Had to stay sneaky, after all. fortune shock & awe

Faite trotted after Fortune with the same eager enthusiasm that the other wolf had. It'd been a little while since she'd been on a good hunt with just one other wolf. Hunting as a pair - now that had promise for a fair amount of food. She could smell the sheep as they drew closer and Faite's muscles tensed in anticipation. Most of all she was eager to test Fortune's skills. So far she'd proved she was a decent tracker, but tracking didn't mean anything if you couldn't take down what it was you were hunting. They arrived at a rocky outcropping. So far Fortune had done a good job keeping them downwind and it seemed like the sheep didn't suspect a thing. She mimicked the slightly larger wolf's crouch as she crept after the other girl behind some rocks. She peered in between a crevice of two boulders at stared at the creatures looking for a good opening. "Alright, since you're in charge, what do you want to do?" She whispered before turning her head back to Fortune. Walk, "Talk" Think

There's something exhillerating about the hunt. Fortune loves it. She more than loves it, it fucking enchants her. Brings her to life in the purest form. She's here to bring life to others, to enchant them with it. To set it at their feet and leave it for them. She would share, and she was more than happy with that. Share and be shared. Family, as it was, happened to be good at that. Bold and brilliant, she creeps forward with her belly down. They remain where the sheep can't smell them, steady winds carrying away from their hideout. They do so well. They will continue to do so very well. The pair is already reasonably attuned to one another, but Fortune would still need to give Faite the plan. "Do you see the older ewe, off to the edge?" Fortune indicates the creature with a flick of her nose. "I'm going to circle around back behind her, push her towards you. If you wait off to the side here, I can drive her to where you can head her off. It'll be a clean catch, I don't want her to suffer." Fortune's eyes are bright, tail wagging softly as she looks to Faite beside her. She wants to make sure that the woman understands the plan, thinks her plan will work. If it needed editing, Faite had time to speak up. Fortune's eyes are wide and a little wild, and she's ready. So ready for take off. fortune shock & awe

Fortune seemed to already have a plan in mind which was good for her. Already she was pleased with her idea to promote her to a hunter. She could see that she was going to be a nice addition to the large pack. With Creed's litter there would be more mouths to feed and with the lack of hunters and her parents sick... well they definitely needed the help. Fortune laid out her plan and Faite listened to it. She mentioned that she'd sneak around to get behind the sheep to scare it off and she listened patiently. Faite wasn't typically used to being the one to take down animals. Normally she was the one doing the scaring and the chasing due to her relatively smaller size and how lean she was. Still she nodded. Fortune was in charge of the hunt and if that's how she wanted to do things she wasn't going to argue. "Sounds good to me." She murmured. With that she crouched down lower and got into position at the edge of the rocks they were hiding behind and motioned with her tail that she was ready whenever the other woman was. Walk, "Talk" Think

Fortune nods once to Faite, excitedly touching her cousin's cheek before slinking off, remaining on the proper side of the wind. She's stealthy, she's careful, but there's something in her that's ready. Every muscle in her body taut, and she's grinning. Alive with it. Feels amazing. Everything feels amazing as she's ready and able to take down one of the sheep. There's something alight and alive in her muscles and her bones. Careful, not making too much noise or drawing any attention to herself yet. And now is the time. Taking off at a run, full tilt, Fortune barrels toward the ewe that's off on her own. The creature bleats to her herd, but it's too late. There's a herding instinct, and the brave drives the creature toward the rock wall where Faite waited. Faite and Fortune, and the red strand has just been clipped. Quick and strong, Fortune is already closing the gap. She'd need Faite's help before she could leap upon the ewe, so she waits. Nipping at the creature's heels when she gets close enough. The slow and the old. It was nature's order, and they would cull the prey animals to survive. The old. This one was old, but she was still trying to run. They are hungry, the pack is hungry. Both women could jump the ewe at the same time, they'd have the space. All Fortune needs is her support. fortune shock & awe

She eyed the other wolf as she slunk around in the direction she'd mentioned. It wasn't long before Fortune got into position and then took off like a ball from a cannon. Faite crouched and was prepared to spring. Before she knew it the ewe and Fortune came closer and Faite shot from her own hiding place to head off the old sheep. She raced towards it with her body low to the ground. Her head lowered as she flung herself at it to try and make it stumble. Her shoulder collided with its left shoulder and her own jaws clasped around its head to get a good hold. She wanted to control it so Fortune could move in and make the killing blow before it could get a fighting chance. She wanted to avoid the painful horns and the sharp hooves. With enough luck it would stumble underneath her weight (not that she had enough weight to throw) and make a fatal mistake so her hunting companion could kill it with ease. Walk, "Talk" Think

A rough kind of gorgeous, the girls hunt in perfect tandem. There's something beautiful and choreographed and planned, despite this being their first time on quarry together. They are lovely. They are strong. They are beautiful. The brave moves at warp speed, springing upon the ewe in the same moment Faite does. Down they take the creature, and Fortune takes a hoof to the shoulder. Adrenaline coursing hot in her veins, the girl barely feels it. There's a dull ache, and it will bruise tomorrow, but today it feels amazing. For the throat of the creature she goes immediately after realizing Faite is holding the creature to leave her the kill. It's quick, and for their prey relatively painless. Respect for the animal that would give their life to sustain them for a ways longer. Respect for those that left them the prey to hunt. Respect above all, for Fortune to continue her duty. Her tail is thrashing wildly as she steps back, and she grins. "So how was that?" Fortune pants softly as the creature beneath them lies with still finality. A little bit of breath catching after a display of strength and speed. "You good?" Two separate questions. Two different thinsg Fortune needed to know. One was an assessment of her skills, and the other was a question for the well being of her cousin. Both were important. Equally so was their kill, fresh and ready to feed themselves and at least part of their family. They'd earned it. fortune shock & awe

Adrenaline coursed through her veins as she focused on their target. She missed the moment that Fortune was kicked by the goat and was too focused on not letting the animal getting away. It would feed a few of them for a little while and she was intent on making sure they took it down. Fortune was upon it in a flash, that much she knew, and she was enjoying the synchronicity that they seemed to have. The instant clicking of their personalities and being able to work with each other was always welcoming and exactly what she needed in a hunter. She allowed Fortune the finishing blow and it wasn't until it stopped struggling that she finally relinquished her hold on the animal. She stepped back and let herself relax. The herd had already scattered and head off as far away from the wolves as they could get to find a safer pasture to graze in. She paid them no heed and finally turned toward the other woman and offered her a grin. She'd done a good job and Faite was pleased. "Marvelous." She said a bit breathlessly as she worked on calming down. "I think you'll be a wonderful addition to the pack. Thank you for hunting with me. That was fun." It'd been a little while since she'd been on a hunt and working in a pair always seemed to be easier (and challenging at the same time) than working with a larger group. "Are you hurt at all?" She returned the question now as she scanned her cousin's body for injuries. Walk, "Talk" Think