A scuffle and a talk

The bear is dead, its head almost completely severed from its body and Tove is bathed in the predator’s blood. With her work done, she moves to leave the earthen male with the dead polar bear but his voice calls after her. Curious, the scarred, older wolf turns back to watch him, duel-toned gaze watching with interest as he gnaws off one of the bear’s toes. She stands there, watching the earthen wolf as the blood begins to dry in her pelt, promising the woman matted fur to deal with later. Eyebrows lift as he separates the digit and moves to stand in front of her, dropping the gory gift at her paws.

Tove meets the taller male’s soft blue gaze and holds it as he speaks of collecting possessions. The barest hint of a smile flicks the edges of lips up for a second before disappearing again. He then tells the scarred woman of the pack he is starting, not mincing words and letting her know that he will offer her a home but that his bloodline will come first. She listens silently, allowing him to speak his peace while weighing her options. The only person she had held any loyalty to is dead, her brother, Bodin, slain by bears in the forests up north. She had been part of a band but they scattered when she needed them the most.

The decision isn’t difficult as he invites her to join his pack. Rough, unused tones break the silence, causing her throat to hurt as Tove says, “I will join. You are a great fighter and will have my loyalty.” Looking to the bear claw, she uses her toes to carefully pick it up and she looks from it to him while adding, “Symbol of our alliance.” Lowing her paw, a smile fully pulls her scarred lips up as she finally offers her name with a bow of respect, “Tove Baade.” Her throat burns horribly and she has to swallow down the urge to cough but the discomfort is worth it to know she has a purpose again.


"Tove Baade"