His trip north had been halted by the sheer amount of packs in the area. He'd tried to find a quick way around them but to no avail. He could go back the way he came, but that was at least a two day journey just to go around and then an even further trip to the S.S. Antiox. He wasn't in a hurry, but he wasn't to keen on that much walking quite yet unless he had to. It had been debatable on what his next course of action could be. He hadn't been prepared to interact with any of the strange packs yet, but it seemed as though that option was going to be inevitable at some point. Things had certainly changed in the years he had been gone. It took a lot of will power to bring himself near the borders of the nearest pack he scented. This territory seemed to be the quickest short cut towards north that he could get. Would they be accommodating? He was prepared to suck it up and make the long trek around all the territories that stood in his way, but he was still slightly optimistic that this would go in his favor. Maybe. Regardless, he wasn't stupid enough to get so close to the border that it would be perceived that he was going to try to trespass. It was late afternoon so, unless someone was a night owl, he wouldn't be disturbing anyone's slumber. Really now all it depended on was the kindness this pack could offer, or not offer, to a wolf slipping out of his prime. He came to a halt about 100 feet from the border and let out a soft call for whoever could grant or deny him his request. Walk, "Talk" Think

A call at the border halted his fishing expedition. He looked at the hole he had wrought in the ice, and gave a rueful sigh. It was strange, how Spring had started off colder than Winter. He hadn’t seen Io’s pond freeze before, and was taking advantage of the strange happenstance to learn ice-fishing. Perhaps it was a good thing, his sister wouldn’t have approved of him hunting her creatures. He shook snow from his plush coat as he got to his paws. Falling into a familiar lope, he made his way towards the border and the sound of the wolf that had cried there. When he approached he found a wolf that was (to him) of short stature, with strange markings of green tears that fell from violent orbs. The man was a little older than the Warlord, and waited patiently at the borders. Was he looking to join? “Greetings, I’m Sirius, Warlord of the Armada. What brings you to my borders?” "Speech"

He didn't have to wait very long before a wolf of a completely different caliber graced him with his presence. Had he been a pup he probably would have had his jaws agape with awe. What had happened since he'd left? Uncommon coat colors had never surprised him (seeing as he had his own, kinda) but this man's size was absolutely unreal. He blinked slowly from where he sat as he stared the man up and down. On top of being the largest wolf he'd ever laid eyes on he had large teeth protruding past his lips. Now that was something he'd never seen. Had he not known better, he would have assumed this guy was part tiger. Sirius, Warlord of Armada. He'd never heard the title before (or of this pack either) but it was obvious that meant he was in charge. From the demeanor to the scents all over the border it didn't take much to put two and two together. He dipped his head in a polite greeting and decided to get straight to the point. He wasn't much for small talk in the face of the mission he'd set before himself. At least he would get something out of this encounter. Maybe he could learn a little bit about the journey packs in his way and maybe, just maybe, why Boreas seemed to be struck with an eternal winter when it should have been well on its way to spring time. "Valor Ancora" He greeted with his name first. "I seem to have hit a snag in my journey. I'm trying to get north to visit my father's grave, but there is an entire line of packs in my way. There are a lot more than I remember being in this area. Had I realized I would have gone around, but as it stand I have made a terrible error in navigating my way around." He said with a chuckle. "I understand if you decline, but I was wondering if I may pass through your territory for an easier journey?" Well, he popped the question. Anyone in their right mind would deny him. He could be a spy, ready to gather valuable intel. Or he could be there to get an idea of the members and any pups to possibly snatch. Any number of scenarious could keep him from being allowed in. Even if he wasn't going to do any of those things, he was fully expecting a firm no (and maybe a crazy look for even asking) from the giant in front of him. Walk, "Talk" Think

He studied the patient white wolf, his eyes snagging more than once on the eerie and rather endearing color of his eyes. The request of the stranger - Valor, as he introduced himself - was a strange one. The Warlord had not had to consider it before, what with the alliances of all the wolves in the ring, travel had never really been a hindrance to him. For a rogue who perhaps did not know the exact lines of the packs, he could see how it might be a hazard to find the right crossing. He was not a stranger to this land, be as he may a stranger to the Warlord. If his fathers grave was to the north, and he had clearly been there before. “If you don’t mind me asking, where is your fathers grave located?” He asked, thinking, for perhaps the first time in his life, that he had no idea where his father was buried. He had been too young to ask, and the Ashen Empire had since relocated to Boreas. He felt a strange prickling in his chest, that he was quick to dispel. His father had been gone a lot longer than he had ever known him. “Walk with me, Valor Ancora. It sounds like you’re returning after a long time away, if these packs are new to you. Tell me what you remember of this land from your youth? I came here as an adult, and I feel there's much of its history I don’t know” He explained, getting to his feet. “In the meanwhile, I can show you the path that skirts between The Armada and Habari without touching either.” "Speech"

Fluffy black ears pricked forward as far as they could go as he awaited the man's answer. He was prepared to walk away with the rejection as the other male seemed to ponder over the question that no doubt had surprised him. Perhaps there had been some question as to whether he'd been here to join, but he'd obviously quickly absolved that thought if it'd ever existed. He hadn't given much thought to joining one. So consumed in his thoughts of his lost family and the journey ahead of him, he hadn't really put much thought elsewhere as to his future. Perhaps, perhaps when it was all said and done he'd find a place to settle down. His family had never been ones to push aside a purpose, and yet he'd lost his when his mate died. He was a little surprised when the wolf asked him his father's gravesite. While not expected, he found he had no problem answering him if it led him toward the path forward. "The S.S. Antiox is where he's buried. I was too young at the time to move his body elsewhere." He lamented bitterly. He certainly hadn't wanted to leave Creed where he'd been murdered. All he'd been able to do as a yearling was drag him towards a clear patch of ground and dig him a deep grave. He'd littered the area with large stones and what gravel he could find so scavengers would not disturb the remains, but that had been such a long time ago. There was no telling what was left of the work he'd done. He was more than surprised when the man told him to walk with him. His tail thumped softly a few times against the ground before he heaved himself to his feet. He was more than willing to answer questions in exchange for the way through the line of packs he'd assumed were in his way. If there was a way through without stepping on any proverbial toes then he was more than appreciative to talk. "I left before I was two." He began. "I remember Celestial, the pack I used to belong to, Abaven, Imperium, Talis, Fiori, and Lirim. They generally very peaceful and often connected by family. Lirim, Fiori, and Celestial all had familial ties with my mother's line, the Adravendi. Talis was through my father's, the Ancora's." He explained. "Now all I've gotten an idea of is Celestial and Abaven, but their scents have changed." He explained as they walked. Walk, "Talk" Think

The Warlord startled in surprise at the mention of Valor’s fathers resting place. Of all the places on the Boreas map… of course it had to be there. He let out a soft sigh, through the mention of how young he had been did not pass the Warlord by. In that, they had something in common. “Then I fear I have grave news to tell you. A pack resides there now, one ruled by a mad king who overthrew his uncle for the throne. From what I’ve heard, he is not letting the members that had accepted his Uncles rule leave. He’s set himself up as some sort of Tyrant” he said, not seeing the irony in his own words. Sirius wasn’t one to let his own wolves go easily either - but he had done so, if the wolf had a good enough reason. He was a protective, possessive bastard. “Then Abaven is even older than I realised - it’s the last pack standing on your list. It's ruled by a Theory Destruction now. A level headed young leader if ever I see one” she was the only ruler outside of the Empires circles that he would freely compliment. He led the older wolf around the plains, and towards the stream. It still flowed, despite the season, but he had no doubt the waters would be icy. He angled them in the direction that would take them to the best place to cross the Rio Grande. “This world might not be the one you left behind, but new beginnings have to start somewhere. Perhaps there is something I can offer you. Join me, Valor Ancora. You seem like a level headed wolf with a great deal of knowledge of the past. Join me, and when I eventually raid the Mad King, you may have a chance to see your father, and perhaps even take a token to remember him by.” "Speech"

Valor did not miss the surprise from the other wolf as he explained where his father's resting place was. He listened with rapt interest as Sirius explained that there was a pack, yet again, blocking his way. His ears flattened momentarily in defeat against his skull. "Of course there's a pack there now." He murmured softly to himself. If he hadn't run into Sirius he would have figured out that information regardless, but at least he hadn't wasted the trip. Asking a wolf who overthrew his previous leader, family at that, to visit his father's grave seemed like a suicide mission. He didn't feel like getting trapped there like the rest of the poor souls in that pack. "It's refreshing to hear some things haven't changed. It seems as though Abaven will always have a Destruction at its head." At least a few things retained some of the normalcy of before. Wolves of such heights, mutations, and new packs were a lot to take in. But if he thought that was a lot he certainly wasn't ready for Sirius' next words. As they headed towards the Rio Grande to find a suitable place the cross, Valor found himself invited to join a pack. It was something he wasn't entirely sure would ever happen. Not many wolves would agree with bringing an aging wolf into their ranks. Not long now and Valor would be out of his prime and well onto his way to becoming a degrading old fart. Why invite him when they could fill their ranks with stronger wolves. Sirius' offer was tempting. He highly doubted he could visit Creed's resting place without assistance now. Not to mention tales of a pack with a tyrant for a king didn't sit right with him. Sirius seemed nice enough, perhaps it would be beneficial? After a much needed pause he finally decided to answer the man. "I would be willing to join your ranks and share my knowledge with you and your pack so long as I get the visit my father's grave before I die." He didn't expect a pack to be overthrown in a single night so there was time of course. In the mean time he could settle in to a home. A real home with a den, warmth, and food. It was something he hadn't expected to happen and yet here it was thrown right into his lap. Walk, "Talk" Think

The Warlord offered a wry smile at the man's words. It did seem like a bad hand of fate that the one place he had wished to go would currently be one of the hardest to visit in all of Boreas. He remained silent at the mention of Abaven - he did not know enough of its past leaders to comment. He knew that Shaye had been its leader, and that she had died well he had been tutoring her daughter, Poem. After that, Theory had taken up the mantle. The two wolves paused at the Rio Grande, Valor to consider his offer, and Sirius to give the older wolf a chance to mull it over. “It’s a fair stipulation, and one that I can agree to. As I said, I do plan to raid him at some point. The exact timing will be decided by myself and my inner council - But it will be within a year, and therefore well within your timeline” old or no, he was sure Valor had years yet to offer his abilities to the Armada. “Do you still wish to cross the Rio Grande today?” He asked softly. He was yet to move from where he had stopped, the chill wind brushing through his coat, and the sound of running water thrummed in the silence. "Speech"

He had less than a year to wait to get what he wanted. He'd already waited this long so a little while longer certainly wasn't going to kill him. It would give him time to get in better shape and knock off the rust of his fighting skills. His fight with the unknown giant beast had been proof enough that there was a lot of refinement needed. A pack would allow him to polish up his skills and perhaps learn some new tricks. Maybe he'd learn some new information too on what had happened while he was gone. They had come to a stop near the banks of the Rio. He stared longingly across the river for a long moment as he debated his future. As much as he wanted to continue his journey he found himself with an impossible proverbial boulder in his path. He could see no way around this pack in his way without Sirius' help and he, for whatever reason, truly took the man's words to heart. They would raid the pack within the year and he'd get what he wanted in the end. No, it wouldn't kill him to wait in the slightest. "No, there's no point in continuing now with the information you've given me." He replied. "Why don't you tell me more about your pack since I'll be joining? I'd like to figure out how I'd be the most useful to you in return for your help." Walk, "Talk" Think

The Warlord inclined his head, got back to his paws, and started them back in the direction they had gone. “Very well, the Armada is a closely-knit pack of warriors. The wolves that come to the Armada are often without family, but become so to their pack mates.” Or perhaps that was just Seer’s influence. He had a habit of adopting most of the wolves that came his way. All his enlarged family were those he had chosen to be his kin. “We specialise in fighting, through we do have hunters and healers within our ranks. When the pack began, it was our prerogative to protect the Ashen Empire - our neighbouring pack. I was a wolf of them first, and that loyalty has extended to my pack. We have since grown and become instead a close ally of them, but that initial direction shaped us” He found himself explaining much of the Armada history to Valor with those words. The pack might not have a grand history or be passed down from family to family, but it was something he had built from the ground up. He had built the pack, and built families within it. They reached the pack borders and as they approached, he found another wry smile on his lips. Valor had called to him in the first place to enter the pack - but this hadn’t been what he had had in mind. He turned to Valor then, and brushed his side against the other wolf. “I have overzealous new leaders within my higher ranks” His eyes danced as he explained his reasoning for brushing his scent against the other wolf. He had high hopes for Asla, his own daughter, and Shard. "Speech"

Valor listened intently as Sirius obliged him with an explanation. The idea of making a new family here warmed him. He obviously wouldn't be the first wolf to arrive with none here and he wouldn't be the last. It was heart warming to think that he could forge a new path. A purpose in life was what most craved after all and he'd been lacking his for a while now. He'd been fortunate to come across this man and his pack. He certainly could have had the misfortune of going all the way north just to run into the insane Tyrant. From the way Sirius spoke, he wasn't a wolf Valor wanted to encounter intentionally unless it was on the battlefield. It wasn't all too surprising that they Armada was based from another pack initially. Outside of the norm, sure, but it had been done before. He remembered that Faite had seceded from Celestial and created Lirim much the same way. Granted after that he didn't remember much, but Lirim had been its own separate entity from what he could remember. He wished he'd paid more attention when he was a pup, but play time with his siblings had been far more important at the time. They came to the borders and he stiffened slightly as Sirius brushed against him. He quirked an eyebrow at him, but he didn't have to wait for an explanation for long. "Ah, in that case I'll thank you in advance. I don't particularly want to be pegged as a trespasser within my first week." He chuckled. "Are most of the packs friendly? Or are there any enemies of Armada that I should keep an eye out for if I leave the territory for a while?" He questioned. It was best to go ahead and get an idea of what to expect should he decide to go exploring. "" Walk, "Talk" Think

The Warlord chuckled, thinking that Naiche in particular would be disappointed to avoid a fight. Not that he was hot headed per say, just overzealous in training and bettering himself and the packs warriors. He fell into an easy lope, keeping his stride to one the older and shorter would have no trouble matching. “Our closest allies are Ashen, next door, the Hallows in Auster. We are friendly with Habari and Abaven. Aerie has no liking for us, and Fireside is full of drunken fools” he curled his nose as he considered the drunk that had found his way to the packs borders to release his bladder. Knocking that wolf out of the pack had been an unpleasant business all round. There is the pack in the North that you now know about. Their leader, other than being a tyrant, is very new. But consider them our enemies. We are uneasy with Valhalla, who treated my diplomat with disrespect and disdain in a trying time for us.” the leader of Valhalla was drunk on her own reflection. He would not forgive her for demanding he had sent Mortis when his boy was suffering from the loss of his best friend. "Speech"

Valor kept pace with Sirius easily enough, but he wasn't fooled into thinking that that was as fast as the taller man could go either. He could tell that Sirius was the one setting the pace and, if he had really wanted to, could probably outrun him with just the sheer length of his legs. After meeting Dragon and his side of the Ancora family, he'd seen that the heights belonging to their family tended to be all over the place. He just wondered where the deviation had come from for Creed's portion to be shorter than the rest. In the end it wasn't something he could change, but occasionally the wishful thought would pop up in his brain that he'd been born just a bit taller. His thoughts were brought back to to the present as Sirius answered his question. From what he could glean, most of the packs were fair game as far as running into any others with the exception of two, maybe three, packs. Aerie and the pack in the north sounded like they were completely off limits if he wanted to avoid any trouble. Valhalla and Fireside seemed like a very feeble maybe, and the rest - well that answered itself. He was thankful for the flood of information. It made him feel less in the dark, but the pang of saddened nostalgia wouldn't leave him. Out of all the packs that had been around during his childhood, barely any remained. It was insane to realize that packs came and went just as quickly as the changing winds. Even those that he thought would be rooted here forever, were just gone. So much had changed over the years. "Are there any other pack rules I should be aware of? Any particular place I shouldn't make a den?" He figured he'd learn the rest as it came, but he didn't want to step on any toes within his first few weeks of settling down. After that he fully intended on getting to know everyone the best he could and probably participate in pack training to shake off a lot of his rust. Walk, "Talk" Think