Clouds were gathering overhead as Birna eyed the climb ahead of her. This is the place Karabela had chosen? A small grin spread across the behemoth's maw. She was always up for a challenge and she wondered what rough breed was dwelling with her niece here. If they were not rough to start with the land would certainly harden any soft edges. Birna strode up the slope, maneuvering around the rocky terrain until she came to the border and though she fully intended to howl she found herself hesitating. Could she do this? Could she commit herself to yet another pack? This was her niece but the alphess was young and inexperienced and Birna couldn't help but wonder how long the pack would laugh. But then, she supposed, if she was with Karabela perhaps she could help the girl keep it. Perhaps barring any unforseen circumstances they could both begin anew. Tipping her head Birna howled confidently for her niece. She was ready to start again. "Talk"

Karabela eyed the clouds and sighed.  Each passing day it looked more and more like it would snow and the unusually warm weather wouldn't last forever.  Sooner or later winter was going to descend upon them.  She couldn't help but wonder every time she saw clouds if this was the day.  As the Chieftan went about her duties she froze when she heard a familiar call echoing out across the mountain range.  Birna?  Her aunt had come to the border!  Karabela was off like a shot, maneuvering from foothold to foothold with practiced elegance until at last she was able to stand before her aunt.  Was the woman here to join or just to visit? "Hello, Aunt Birna!  You look well, what brings you to Ivory Ridge?"

"Speech"

Birna watched the clouds engulf the tops of the mountains and wondered herself at the weather.  Honestly, she was ready for winter.  She was sick of the heat that had been clinging to Boreas lately and drying up the grass and water.  She could only hope that the winter would be heavy with snow fall so that the spring melt might make up for the drought and replenish the earth.  The older woman would turn at the cheerful call of her niece.  Nothing ever did seem to get the girls spirits down.  It felt weird to be referred to as 'Aunt' Birna. To have a family title again, and she wondered if she'd ever get used to it. "Well, Raba, I've been thinking on your offer and I would like to join Ivory Ridge.  I can only wander for so long, I need roots.  You know of my skills as a fighter but if you need a demonstration I'd be happy to provide." "Talk"

Karabela couldn't stop her tail from wagging in an excited un-alpha-like manner. Her aunt was going to join! She was grinning from ear to ear at the thought of another family member joining her little pack. They'd been scattered and broken for so long but now she had an aunt and a niece. It was something at least. A connection she'd been missing for quite some time. The thought of sparring her aunt was definitely tempting. She wasn't sure how she would fare against the larger woman but she knew Birna well enough to know her skill and to trust that she would be loyal to Ivory Ridge and to her. "Not necessary Birna and of course you are accepted as a Defender, a warrior of Ivory Ridge, welcome! I would love to spar with you some time though right now with winter so close I'd prefer everyone focus their energy on getting ready for what will surely be a rough season."

Karabela took a few steps forward, gauging her aunts body language before rushing forward and nuzzling the older woman's scruff. "It's so good to see you again…"

"Speech"