Her voice was a soothing mantra. Chanting to him over and over again. The striped ghost had wandered right over the scent markers. May told him there was treasure in here somewhere so he would find it. Harlowe laughed prancing around bushes and even splashing in whatever water he could see. The creek wasn’t quiet with him around. Although he obliviously didn’t realize he was disrespecting something. The man didn’t even know what a scent marker was!

Maybe scout up the creek a bit? he looked over at May. To him her transparent form moved like a cloud. To anyone else he was looking at thin air rather intensely. "Treasure oh Treasure where could you be, to heal my bones welcome among thorns I will see." Harlowe hummed prancing his paws out while he explored. Oh what a fun adventure this would be!

1/3 explore a new land

Lucy had gone to Cattail Creek, their other territory, to gather some lavender from the small garden she started when she and Bae-Syl had lived there. The tiny woman knew her sister would keep good on her word of checking at the Hallows for her son but other things had started to stress her. Bae-Syl, Vitani, and Ikuchi were down bound, sick with something. She knew Bae… he wouldn't let another healer near him or the kids. But Lucy questioned if she had the ability to heal them. From one thing to another, she was fighting to be strong for Nova, Sou, Jericho and Baecette. Her children would no doubt see that the woman was beginning to fray. She worried for her mother, for her mate and children… surely the Divinities were not forsaking them…?

She had been gathering herbs when laughter and splashes of water caught her attention. Lucy would approach cautiously, fur on end, and the moment she saw someone laughing and talking to herself she froze. Normally she'd be more understanding, try to help, but after the death of her father she wouldn't take chances. None of them would.

Lucy tossed her head back in a summoning howl for the combatants. Hay would know what it meant. Then she stepped from the foliage, ears lowered and body reflecting caution. "Who are you? Why have you crossed the borders of our pack? Was he dangerous? Would he try and kill her, just as her father's murderer had, for summoning the others? The tiny pixie threw up her defenses. She wasn't much of a fighter but… if she had to, she would fight for her home.

When I fall apart, Promise in the dark These days had Bae busy as hell. Be it caring for his kids, hunting or patrolling, the man couldn't be stopped. today found him in the creek doing a typical patrol, regardless of his little cough. He had caught it from Tani and Iki, who were down more. He had thought at first it was just Tani eating things she shouldn't, but it had developed into more. Eventually Iki caught it, and then they quarantined the two from the rest. With Gav also missing Bae was becoming irritable, distant and paranoid. The only ones he welcomed near right now were Lucy and his kids. Not even Bells was welcome right now. So when there was a howl near Lucy's garden from Lucy about an intruder his expression went from just glaring and angry at, well, himself to down right murderous. He had every right to want to throw himself head first into this. He came from the way of the western border, barreling in as fast as he could. No words were given as he came to a stop, with his left forelimb on the side of Lucy and his body over her protectively. His chest was touching her shoulders and a snarl was released as his eyes locked on the intruder. The intruder was large like himself, large enough to be a valid threat. His eyes were narrowed and his hackles raised as his ears pressed back. His entire being radiated the intent to either drive out or kill the intruder, if they were perceived as a threat. He had heard Lucy ask her questions, so he would give them one single chance. "Answer her... I'm in no mood for games....." A cough came from him but he stifled it and continued to glare at the male. His mate would feel his chest and hear it likely but he wouldn't let this trespasser know his weakness. Walk, "talk", Think You'll be my nightlight

_{Art by Asena}

The call from Cattail Creek reaches Haydée as she lounges by the waterfall of their home. Fear immediately squeezes her heart, stealing away her breath for a moment as she hears Lucette summon the combatants of the pack to her. Without hesitating, the girl is up, small legs churning franticly as she races to where her sister is, ready to fight tooth and claw to keep her sibling safe. Her mind starts plays tricks on her as she makes her way through the thick underbrush, flashing images of her deceased father’s mutilated corpse before her eyes like some grotesque photograph but replaces his body with that of Lucette.

Haydée arrives just in time to hear Bae-Syl growl his words at the stranger and she slows her frantic pace as she approaches from behind her pack mates. Green eyes observe the stranger, noticing the horrible scars and lack of eye on one side of his face and he seems, unphased by their appearance. While it is true that the male is trespassing, Ethne is meant to be a haven for all the misfits in the world… and something tells her to speak before passing judgment just yet. As she comes up from behind Bae-Syl and Lucette, the girl briefly rubs her form against them to draw their eyes to her. With a small, almost imperceptible shake of her skull, the girl signals for them to stand down and allow her to handle this.

With a friendly smile on her lips, the Leader moves forward, carefully placing her small form between the unknown wolf and her pack members. Confidently, Hay calls out, “Excuse me, sir. You find yourself within the borders of the pack known as Ethne. If you mean us no harm than you are welcome to have a friendly chat with us. However, if you have any ill intent, know that we will escort you forcefully these lands.” A hardness enters her gaze as she speaks of removing them since she is more than willing to protect her sister and her sister’s mate with her life. The hardness gives way to curiosity as she gives them a small dip of her head and says, “I am Haydée Kedieo, Leader of Ethne. Now, what is this about?”


"Haydée Kedieo"

It was almost like a ticking box. When the tiny lady showed up Harlowe acted as if she werent there . Humming gleefully he splashed around the creek like a pup. When she spoke his head snapped up. His remaining eye looking at her wide eyed. His lips pursed. "Smol one." he giggled. Then a big one showed up. Hadnt he been looking for something?

May coiled around him then, Harlowes attention hooked on her even as questions were asked. His ears angling towards the spectre. The treasure is deeper in thats what we are looking for right? That scent Harlowe. right. Right the treasure. He sat down in the creek giving a lazy scratch of his ear with a back leg. Thats when the big one said he wasnt in the mood for games. Which in turn sent him into a fit of soft giggles.

"Wow Harlowe sees so many sizes and colors. Tiny girl tiny girl so cute!" he nodded his head up and down. Harlowe focus. May said looking at him. Then when the super alpha showed up Harlowe tilted his head as if trying to decipher her words. "May says theres treasure so Harlowe is looking for treasure. I dont know what ill intent is but this creek is FUN. It splash and make Harlowes heart beat faster." he stood making little circles in the water. "Treasure where is it?" then he splayed out on the ground. Not having moved much from his position. May rolled her eyes sitting off to the right as Harlowes eye followed her looking into the distance.

Something about the stranger seems… off. Haydée watches his body language, trying to gauge if he means to harm them or if he needs their help. The male’s ears seem to be angled away from them and the words he speaks only confuse the young leader more. Yes, something is very off about this man but, for now, she will continue to give him the benefit of the doubt. He splashes in the creek, questioning where the treasure is before suddenly splaying himself out in the creek. For a long moment, the girl remains silent, watching, assessing, and considering what to do.

Finally, her head cants slightly as a small smile appears on her lips and her lifts a brow curiosity as she questions, “What is this ‘treasure’ you seek? We really don’t have anything special just food to eat and plenty of furs to sleep on.” Now, Haydée knows that treasure is a board term and it can mean different things to different wolves. If she can figure out exactly what he is looking for, maybe she can steer him in the right direction and away from trespassing onto other pack lands.

As for him not knowing what ill intent means, Haydée decides to gently teach him and says, “When I say ‘ill intent’ I was just wondering if you mean to try and hurt us. I hope that you are friendly because we are a welcoming pack. Borders of pack lands are not usually crossed without permission from the alpha. However, Ethne does not wish to harm you and, if you do not hurt us, then maybe we can help you find this treasure.” Yes, something is off about this stranger but maybe he just needs some friendly guidance and help. Maybe.


"Haydée Kedieo"

No damsel in distress Lucette could feel her form quiver, and before the man answered she felt someone slip over her. Her first reaction was to tense up, but the scent of Bae filled her nose and she looked up at him with a frown on her face. What the hell was he doing…!? She felt a mixture of relief at his presence and frustration that he had come. She had been trying to get him to rest, but stubbornly the man went about his tasks. He was going to be sick longer if he wasn’t careful. Ughh.. stubborn male. Yet she pressed against his leg for comfort all the same as her gaze flicked back to the trespasser… until her sister arrived. Ah good, let Haydee handle this. She was less than certain about him, and she needed to scold Bae. She had missed what the man had said to her as she moved from under Bae to look up at her mate. “We are going to let Hay handle this.” She spoke simply, taking steps away from her sister and the stranger in hopes Bae-Syl would move a bit back with her. If Haydee needed it they would be here to help but… “Running around sick is going to get you sicker, Bae… you’re going to be completely bedridden just like when you almost got gored…” Lucy sighed, but all the same she pressed up against his chest. “I… I’m mad at you… but I can’t say I’m not relieved too…” Well, there went the scolding… How could she be mad at him when he was coming to protect her?  “Please just be careful…” Her voice was quiet. “I don’t want to lose you…” "Speech," 'Thought.' Don't need to save me

_{Art by Asena}

Our lives are made in these small hours He kept his gaze completely on the man, well aware of his mate's actions of leaning into him. To say it didn't make him feel better about keeping her protected would be a lie. He could easily step over her if he needed and he knew she wouldn't stop him if push came to shove. And the male in front of them had him bristling and a snarl escaping his maw as he giggled at Bae-Syl's seriousness. Trespassing was in his eyes a serious offense. Then haydee showed up. It was likely a good thing for the male as Bae had been ready to tear him a new one. Something was off with this male and Bae had too much to lose to allow things like this male to slip in unnoticed. Haydee gave him a motion to stand down and he grumbled. Displeased that the young Aplhess wasn't even allowing the combatant to stand at the ready. Then words slipped from the males maw that had him glaring daggers at him. When Lucy went to move away his teeth clicked closed audibly. His fur was fluffed up and without taking his eyes off the male he went to cover Lucy's movement and guard her from his sight, protective jealousy gripping at him. If he made even one move wrong, Bae would be taking his other eye. Bellamy had trusted him with her family and he was willing to put his life on the line to protect what was his to protect. Bellamy wouldn't have catered to this male either though he felt. Especially not with the recent events. His fur stayed fluffed up and he stepped back until he felt his haunches touch luce. His body then turning and his ass meeting the ground. Yet something told him that while yes Lucy was talking to him he needed to watch this male. His ear turned to Lucy to let her know he heard her. Yet they both knew he wasn't about to stop being what this pack needed of him. He chanced a glance at her for a moment. "My gut tells me something isn't right with him, stay back unless we need you?.... I don't know why but it doesn't feel like Haydee is safe with him...." his words were whispered to Lucy, so only she could hear. He had lived with evil for the longest time. He trusted those feelings undoubtedly. He kept himself tensed, ready to spring at a moments notice. As his eyes went back to the scene before him. He just couldn't shake the feeling. But he knew he was here so at least haydee and Lucy weren't alone if the male became violent or needed a reminder that he was in someone else's home. Walk, "talk", Think These little wonders these twists and turns of fate

_{Art by Asena}

Harlowe stared at May as she moved, his ears twitching as he listened to the leader lady talk. They didn’t have any treasure that was a lie because he could smell it. Smell it mixed up with all the rest but maybe it was gone now. May weaved through him sitting to his right as he looked over at her. I think we can trust them enough, though I wouldn’t say you’re friendly persay. Harlowe laughed at her then stood up and he walked closer to the group his tail wagging furiously behind him. What was beyond this river? "Food you say, food, Harlowe is STARVING Harlowe doesn’t want hurt Harlowe just wants treasure and food." he pawed at the ground doing a few circles.

"Treasure scent left this land recently. Purple wolf, stripes like Harlowe. Precious treasure… mmmm." it was like the actual word was on the tip of his tongue. "Will you let Harlowe look? Harlowe eats, looks around then will leave. Yes yes, doesn’t want to make tiny wolf uncomfortable." he looked over at May moving around the river. Brother Harlowe? the scarred males stomach growled. Brother could wait. Brother his treasure.

Harlowe’s eyes move, never quite staying in one place for long. All the gruffness has left the girl’s demeanor and a gentle, quiet understanding now rests in its place. Haydée watches the man, knowing that there is something off with him but understand that it isn’t his fault. Memories of the kind wolf Tanelan come to mind and she only has great feelings for the wolf who shares his body with several wolves. So, the gentleness remains because the young leader knows that, even if this wolf proves not be friendly, she will be safe with all of the pack behind her.

The mention of food has Harlowe stating how hungry he is and the girl’s tail sweeps the air in a gentle wag as she offers a soft chuckle. Haydée’s smile grows as she looks to Bae-Syl and Lacette but the man’s voice quickly pulls her attention back to man as he continues to speak. Listening intently, she dips her head in agreement once he has finished and says, “As long as Harlowe promises not to hurt anyone in Ethne,” her gaze sharpens slightly, letting him know that she is serious about this, “than you are welcome to come to the falls and eat as much food as you want. After that, you may search for your treasure and I will even have someone help you in your search. Does that sound okay?”

A warm smile is on her lips and Hay turns her green gaze to Bae-Sul and Lucette, arching a brow in silent question if they are alright with this arrangement as well.


"Haydée Kedieo"

Harlowe got a bit closer to the trio then, but made little circles as he did. So tempting he really wanted to touch the little one but the little one looked so scared. He decided to ask, but he slowly came to stand right next Haydee if she allowed he probably was well into her personal bubble. Yet he lowered his head trying to appear small as he looked up at Haydee and whispered. "Harlowe promises no intentional harm will come to any of you. But why is tiny girl so scared did something happen?" he tilted his head. Then his attention swayed back to May the ghost sitting in front of him with a small disappointed look. Don’t make promises you can’t keep dear. Harlowe gaped at her and shook his head. "Harlowe promises and will keep promise May." he snorted and flopped out on his belly a loud growl following suite.

"Harlowe is very tired." before he even knew it he was snoring. Though it was more likely that he would be woken up easily. He rolled into his back, his belly soaking up what sun that it could. Definitely a weird one he was. Though it gave a good look to his tattered body and missing bits of fur. He muttered. "Treasure is precious to Harlowe. Harlowe will find it…" said treasure being his brothers and big sister.

Lucy frowned as Bae-Syl spoke. She knew he worried, being protective of both her and her family, especially after all that had happened… She would press close to him, hoping to calm him with her presence. She kept an ear out for Haydee and the stranger. She wanted to trust her sister’s judgment… but she was also afraid of losing someone else. That was why she didn’t take Bae away from here, why she kept him there on the sidelines. “I know he’s off… but I don’t think immediately jumping to flay him is the best approach either…” She sighed and drew back to look up at her mate.

“We have to trust our Leader. My sister was chosen by our mother for a reason. She wouldn’t have chosen her if she didn’t think Hay had a good head on her shoulders.” Her words were meant to be reassuring as she spoke softly to the rainbow male, keeping her voice low for him. “I don’t want more conflict unless it’s absolutely necessary…” Her ears fell. “...and I trust you too. Keep an eye from a distance, but don’t hurt him unless he targets anyone else. Defend, not offend.” She glanced back over at Haydee, catching sight of the one eyed wolf laying down and drifting off to sleep. She frowned.

“He might be sick in more ways than we can help… but if we give him food I can try to give him some herbs to help too.” She stepped closer to her little sister and swallowed hard. “...sorry sis… It’s… hard not to worry…” She told her.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

table coding by bunni ♥