OOC: takes place shortly after this thread

—

Hanako loped away from the pond at an easy and relaxed pace.

Her first instinct was to seek out Azure. She had no doubt in her mind that he'd know who Resin was and might even be able to tell her about their habits and where they'd most likely be found. But with a sharp shake of her head she decided against it, she didn't really want to bother him with matters that weren't his to deal with, he likely had enough on his plate as it was. Besides, this was her proving, if she had to lean on him for support every time something came up then what was the point in pledging herself into his service? It was a redundant and frankly stupid idea, Hanako mentally nipped herself for even considering it.

So what then? She could hardly stumble around blind and hope she just so happened to find them, if Sirius has eyes on her- she wouldn't put it past him- then it would cement the fact that she wasn't ready or capable for this role. That she was just a pup who wanted to play adult games. She slowed as her lips pursed into a thoughtful pout. She needed someone who wouldn't ask questions but would be more than happy to answer her own. Someone who had been with the pack long enough to have a better sense of how things worked around here. And then, as though someone had just turned on the lights a face and name popped into her head as clear as day.

Meadow.

They were friends, good ones at that and if anyone here could help Hanako out than surely it would be her. Though Hanako didn't know where the girl tended to hang out the fact that she already knew her scent made the task a whole lot easier, she followed a fresh trail that cut through the centre of the territory and sure enough her friend was found! Bounding on over, Hanako offered Meadow an affectionate nose-boop to her cheek before pulling back a little so they could talk.

"So Meddie can you do me a favour? I was told to talk to Resin but...I've never even met them before, I don't know where they are or who I'm even looking for." Her smile was sheepish but hopeful. "Think you could point me in the right direction?" She puffed her chest out, all proud and strong, making a point of the fact she wanted to do this alone.

Meadow is walking when she hears someone bounding toward her. Turning to see who it is, her tail starts to wag when she sees her friend Hanako! A bright smile appears and she turns to face her as Hanako comes up and boops her nose against Meadow’s cheek affectionately. The bright smile grows more brilliant and when she moves away so they can talk.

Meddie. She calls her Meddie.

It is a silly thing to think but Meadow is finding herself so grateful to have a friend. Let alone one that comes up a nickname for her! Eyes sparkle with happiness as she listens to the questions. She can help! Nodding enthusiastically, Meddie says, “Oh I can tell you everything! Resin is my sister! We have a den to the east near the border of the Weeping Willows. Resin is a Lieutenant for the Armada so that means she patrols the borders a lot. Sometimes she even wanders into the Weeping Willows just to make sure everything is okay. When you find Resin, you can’t miss her. She is really tall. Not as tall as Sirius but still, tall. She is ashen grey with black on her face and down her neck. Oops, almost forgot the black is on her toes too.”

Pausing a moment to take a breath, Meadow continues with, <“Oh and she only has one good eye. Her left eye is just a patch a scars, her good, golden eye is the right. So, when you approach her, try to stay on her right.” Nodding her absently, Meadow thinks that is all the important information. Pointing a paw toward the border of the Weeping Willows, Meadow says, “I would start over that way first. That is the safest bet. Anything else I can help you with Hana?” A giant smile appears and she hopes that Hanako doesn’t mind being called Hana.



"Speech!"

TABLE & CODE © SKELLE 2020

It soon became apparent that Hanako had made the right call, Meadow was a fountain of information and just as before once she'd started talking it was a little while before she stopped. With ears perked forward Hanako listened intently, nodding in all the right places as she picked apart the information that was provided, separating  the fluffy details from the need to know stuff. Hanako had to admit that she was surprised that Resin was not only a lady but a Lieutenant  too, did this mean that Sirius had a thing for women in positions of power?  Or was he simply doing it to break away from the norm? Either way the next pieces of information had Hanako leaning forward in interest as her gaze wandered to the east. She wasn't all that familiar with the eastern reaches of the territory but from what she could remember even to to the untrained nose the borders were clearly marked, with several scents layered atop one another to form the foundations of an impenetrable fortress.

Meadow could have left it there and Hanako would have still drowned her in affection and gratitude. But she continued on and went onto describe Resin's looks and one key detail that if taken advantage of could make this test a whole lot easier. Not only did Hanako make a note of that but she mentally underlined too, not once but twice till she was certain she wouldn't forget. Left not right. Idly Hanako wondered what it must've been like to lose an eye, but quickly snapped herself out of it and instead followed Meadow's line of sight as she pointed to the willows with a dainty little paw. And then like a cherry on top Meadow called her Hana and she just couldn't hold it back, business could surely be put aside for a second. If Sirius was watching he would've understood too, right?

"Nooo you've been so helpful! I knew I could count on you." She beamed, rearing up on her hind legs to give Meadow a wolfy hug, tail wagged so fast it was like a chopper trying to take flight."I gotta dash but I'll find you later,  maybe we can go collect some seashells?" That sounded like fun and something she thought Meadow would enjoy too.

Reluctantly she pulled away, though not before giving Meddie another noseboop for good measure. Resin was out there somewhere and whether she liked it or not Hanako was gonna listen real well  to whatever she had to say. With one last glance at her good friend, Hanako kicked off into a trot as she weaved through the long grass, barely shifting it as she made her way to the eastern border.

Meadow's information seems to have been helpful because Hana says she know she could on her. Chest puffs out a little in pride at a job well done and she laughs happily as Hanako rears back to give her a hug. Returning the embrace, she finds tail wagging so hard it smacks her sides and moves her butt. Meddie nods in agreement to the seashells and, when Hanako pulls away and boops her again, Meadow laughs with great affection. Watching as Hana glances back one more time before starting to trot off.

With a farewell wave of her paw, Meddie calls after her friend, “Good luck with your talk! Have a good day and I am holding you to the seashells!” With a happy laugh and a shake of her head, Meadow returns to her walk. Now, filled with happiness, she starts to hum. She keeps playing over in her mind how happy Hana was with the information and the words, ‘I knew I could count on you.’ Giving herself a mental pat on the back she says, to the air, “I did good.” and her steps start to take a dancing quality to them.

-Exit Meadow-


"Speech!"

TABLE & CODE © SKELLE 2020

Heavy paws ran a well worn path around the exterior of the pack lands. The giant woman was headed somewhere. Somewhere important. She shook out her thick, ash and onyx pelt as she loped along. Tufts of winter fur came loose. She made a mental note to give her thick coat a brush later simply so that she wouldn't run so hot. Black ears perked as she neared the edge of the river. She stopped to take a drink, lowering scarred lips to the cool, crisp liquid. The river was a little fast today. It must have rained quite a bit up north. Bits of debris floated on top of the water. The dame sat and pulled out yet anther tuft of fur with one hind paw. Shedding was quite uncomfortable. She'd be glad to get it over with. "Speech"

Hanako's steps were quiet and carefully placed as she moved along. Amongst the tall grass she could lope about as she pleased but as she neared her target, or at least where she thought her target might be, it was though a switch had been flipped. Gone was her easy smile and wriggly tail, her expression was flat and neutral, like someone had reset her factory settings. Leaving her a blank slate with no persona or pretence in sight. After all, what was the point in putting on a show when no one was around to see it? It was an unusually cynical way of thinking but Hanako tried not to linger on it too much, since some things were best left alone, you know?

Instead she kept on moving, facing the wind as it blew in from the east and soon enough it presented her-with what she assumed to be- Resin's scent like a present with a little bow on top. Just for her. Things were going well but Hanako took a moment to pull in a long, steadying breath. Even it was really damn tempting now wasn't the time to get all cocky, if Resin was half as clever as Hanako thought then there was still a good chance of this plan going arse over tit.

Not long after Hanako caught sight of her sitting with her back turned and beside the river: the mysterious Resin. The Lieutenant was just as Meadow had described, tall, floofy and dark, clearly befitting of the title bestowed upon her. Further reinstating in Hanako's mind that Sirius had a thing for powerful, large and in charge ladies. Not that she could blame the Warlord, Hanako could see the appeal too.

Hanging back to the left, just in case Resin happened to turn her way, Hanako lingered just out of sight in a thick, and somewhat tangly bush. The branches tugged at her fur and poked at her ribs but she bit back the discomfort as she watched and waited, ears perked and eager to snoop in on the meeting that might unfold.

Again the woman shook out her thick pelt and more fur went drifting along on the breeze. She didn't know that the girl was hiding and spying on her, but she knew that it was supposed to happen today. Sirius had told her as much. Resin had agreed to be tailed simply to further the skills of the younger generation. If the girl thought that she had what it took to turn herself into a spy, then Resin would make her work for it. It wasn't going to be easy. The breeze swirled, pulling a foreign canine scent to the one-eyed lady. She'd never met the girl in question, so looking for her didn't matter. If she could smell her though, then she knew that she'd been found. Good. Then they could get on with it. Rising to her paws, the older wolf rolled her shoulders. She picked her way out into the water and climbed atop a boulder. With agility befitting a wolf half of her age, the old warrior leaped from rock to rock until she was on the other side of the river. Once her paws touched land, she didn't even stop to shake out her coat. Instead, she ran as fast as she could, ducking below branches, leaping fallen trees. She made her way into the thick of the forest where the shadows were deep. This is where the girl would be put to the test. Black backed ears were on high alert as she listened for the rustle of leaves. She would be far ahead of her stalker and so she had ample time to stop, hide herself somewhat, and prepare. Resin situated herself at the edge of deep black shadows. Another canine stood there, the edge of its skull and ear visible, but not much more would be discernible. As soon as she imagined the girl had time to keep up, she would speak to the canine in the shadows. The scarred woman began to speak to the shadows in low tones. She purposefully said a few words just a bit louder. "Takeover." Whispers. "Pack." Whispers. "Blood. Tonight." "Speech"

Hanako wasn't sure what to expect. Maybe for a hidden figure to emerge from the shadows, to casually sit beside Resin and strike up a sneaky, secret conversation. But as the seconds ticked on Resin just continued going about her business, acting all cool and casual as though there wasn't even a possibility that she was up to no good. Hanako's lips twisted into a frown, had Sirius gone and sent her off onto a wild goose chase? She liked to think that the Warlord valued her time better than that and he wanted her to succeed, but maybe he'd gotten it all wrong too.

All of those doubts were soon washed away when Resin clambered to her paws and with a surprising amount of grace pounced from one rock to the other, till she crossed the river. Hanako didn't think Resin was a decrepit mummy of a wolf but dang the old lady could move.  Emerging from the bush Hanako followed suit, bouncing from one stepping stone to the next till her fiery paws met the earth once again. And then she was off, rushing through the undergrowth with all the speed and grace she'd demonstrated during her race with Mortis. But even then it was barely enough, Hanako had to push hard to just keep Resin in sight and by the time Hanako slowed to a walk the Lieutenant had already had plenty of time to get herself situated.

But that was fine, there was no need to worry yet. Lingering in the shadows behind a tree- funny that, a colourful wolf as she could only manage to hide since it was so damn dark- Hanako's ears perked forward as she began to listen. She couldn't see who Resin was speaking to, let alone make out any notable features, but none of that seemed to matter when she heard what was being said. It was juicy content alright.

Hanako's eyes flew wide open as her jaw dropped into a shocked O. A pack takeover? A bloody coup? Hanako had to slap a paw over her mouth to stop herself from "OOOOHING!" aloud.

She almost couldn't believe it, surely they were pulling her leg, right? Right? But what if this was real, what if Resin wasn't to be trusted after all? What if...the spy was spying on the spy? Wow that was a lot of spying going on, it almost made Hanako's mind spin. Peeking around the corner again, Hanako sniffed in deep and rolled the scents around in her nose. The other wolf was a loner, but unless she revealed her position there was no way of getting a better look. Her paws itched with anticipation, she wanted to turn tail and run all the way back to Sirius to describe what she'd seen and heard but was it too soon? And how much information was enough?

The wannabe-spy chewed on her lip as she mulled it over. She'd gotten what she'd come for, the mental list she'd formed in her head had all the ticks it needed and surely if she stayed any longer she'd run the risk of getting caught. Okay, right. Time to book it back to the Armada without being spotted. Easy.