Sedona (3) and Chinook (5) || M: Vada, Each Other (Kairo is welcome)

Sedona

The light colored female's warmer toned pelt didn't quite fit in with her snowy surroundings, but she was doing much better than she had initially believed she would. The young female had managed to sneak up on a bird -- a bird, of all things! -- and had caught it with ease. The low level of difficulty made her almost suspicious; had that bird been planted there, or was she just having a much-needed stroke of luck?

Sedona couldn't tell what her catch was, exactly. It looked like a magpie but all black with iridescent feathers; perhaps a grackle? Yes, actually, that sounded right. She just hadn't seen one in... well, a long time. Regardless, there had been enough meat on it to nearly fill her, and her stomach had settled contentedly. The off-white wolf padded lightly through the crunchy substance blanketing the land.

She stopped for a moment to chew on some of the snow, letting the crystals melt back into water underneath her tongue. It was an interesting sensation; soft prickles glided across her taste buds and her brain registered several tastes to it. There were hints of old pine, rainwater as well as creek, stale mouse scent, and old wood. Sedona didn't really mind it at all. In fact, it was a pleasant change from only having to think of how to get home again.

Sedona had long given up on that hope.

Lowering her eyes, the young female allowed her thoughts to carry her back to the days where she'd frolicked along with seven siblings in a crowded den behind their mother's sleeping frame. Her mother had called them an "ungodly bunch," though Sedona suspected the female had been referring to the number of pups in the small army she had produced. Sedona's father, a more nomadic creature, had agreed and disappeared. Neighboring, more solitary wolves had assisted in raising the litter.

Sedona missed them, but a solemn part of her knew that they would never be more than a memory. Brows furrowed, she nearly missed the sight of another wolf completely. The female balked and raised her hackles, releasing an alarmed growl before realizing that she was only in the presence of one other wolf, and this one seemed a little more... dare she say friendly?

"Oh. My apologies; I was not paying attention," she offered. Not paying attention. A potentially deadly lack of action. Sedona mentally berated herself for such behavior, but put on a calm, more composed front for the dusky black wolf in front of her. Noting the unsettled appearance of, and familiar smell of human on, her new acquaintance, Sedona added, "I believe we may be in the same predicament."

Her ears pricked at the sounds of more footsteps nearby, and she caught sight of a larger, rather exasperated looking male who also carried the human scent. Under her breath, she mumbled, "Wow. Seems everyone is out in full force today."

Chinook

He left the three to bicker among themselves. They had all respected his wishes to be left alone, and Chinook appreciated it, though the female was still putting him off a little. Oh, well. He was out of the territory and in unclaimed lands now; soon, he'd be able to rest. Chinook took his time moving through the woods. The wind was blowing into his back, so he didn't really bother hunting. Besides, he wasn't hungry. Might as well let the prey live until he needed it.

Unfortunately for him, the wind did not let him know of the two females he had just run into. Both did not seem to pose a threat -- but he knew better than to judge a book by its cover. There were few wolves in life who looked as strong or as weak as they actually were, and Chinook knew countless wolves who were incredible fighters despite what first glance could tell.

At the white female's comment, Chinook inhaled slowly and then released the breath in a long sigh. "Yes, well, it appears we were all released within a much closer proximity than necessary."

His tone was neutral and his expression guarded as he studied the two females standing there. They were younger than him, for sure. The smaller, black wolf looked slightly younger than the white female, but both looked plenty capable of taking care of themselves. Chinook debated leaving them there once again, but the thought of company that didn't set him on edge was tempting just enough for him to hesitate.

The white female cleared her throat, obviously not having intended for her thoughts to be spoken out loud, and chuffed, "Yes, I suppose they did... I'm Sedona, by the way. I never introduced myself -- to either of you."

So much interaction popping in at once was setting both wolves out of their comfort zones, but Chinook managed to hide this better than Sedona, who was now shuffling her paws subconsciously while switching her gaze between himself and the other female. Chinook thought he caught another scent on the breeze, but he did not bother to look just yet. Surely no wolf would throw themselves into a three-versus-one battle off the fly.

«Vada»

Released| Female| Three years| Mentions: Sedona, Chinook, Kairo

"When you encounter a dire situation, use your wits to dominate the dilemma at hand."

Words her father once said. It gave her some encouragement. Something Vada always admired about her father was his wisdom. But if only both her dame and sire were here. She would feel at ease. She wouldn't have to worry about being unaccompanied, in unknown territory. However, she knew seeing her parents again was nothing but a mere thought. sighing she positioned herself upright, a distant look masked her face. There was no use thinking of things that aren't going to magical transpire. Because in reality things won't always be the way you want them to be. A fact that no one could deny.

"Right time to find the others... Whoever they might be."

Proceeding with caution is something to be looked upon. Something she will take into consideration from now on. She would carefully observe before approaching. Vada barely took a few steps when a flash of white followed by a growl had her stumbling out the way.

"Hey!"

Alarmed, Vada nearly lost her footing, if it wasn't for her gripping the earth she would have fallen to the ground. Hackles raised, she eyed the pale wolf who sent her an apology. She allowed her fur to relax some, though her guard was still up. She wasn't one to raise suspicion but she was doing it now.

"No worries."

One could tell the wolf in front of her was older than Vada and a bit bigger. Was her growth disrupted why was everyone taller than her? Funny this problem is only occurring now.

"True."

There was no doubt the smell that lingered on the two was the stench of humans. Much to her despise. Never again did she want to be around those creatures. Approaching footsteps had her facing the direction.

Another fellow wolf was undoubtedly heading their way. And it didn't look like he intended to stroll by without saying something. Which was correct. The male spoke with neutrality. That was very understandable because he was indeed talking to the two of them. Both of whom he hadn't met before. While she contemplated a response the white wolf decided to introduce herself.

"Well, it's nice to meet you Sedona. You can call me Vada."

Somewhere in the middle of their chatter was the sound of someone approaching nearby. It was evident they were trying to make their presence known. Vada didn't pay too much attention at first, but only when words were spoken then did Vada turn her head to gaze at well... another wolf. What a twist of fate. She didn't even have to go looking for anyone because it seems like they found their way to her. She studied the multi-colored wolf as he kept his distance.

"It's nice to meet you Kairo. As for your question, I suppose we ." Her eyes shifted between Chinook and Sedona before she continued "and it's not just us, there are a few others as well." She added.

Now what? We're they going to just conversate and then go their separate ways? Surely not right. After much thought, she spoke once more.

"So..... I know we just met and all but maybe we should stick together? For now at least. I'd hate to be on my own." She suggested. It was more of a plead than anything else.

Ardor

Released Wolf || 6 Years || Male || Mentions: Erjon

Scoffing, the canine felt offended. He didn't truly listen to every word and detail this fellow spoke of, not caring. However, he became intrigued slightly as the male went on.

"I was simply taking these two to find the others, but since you're here, but all means, take my spot. You'd be doing me a favor."

"Do I look like some sort of pup sitter?" Quietly, Ardor muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes in dissatisfaction. What kind of brute was he to think he'd take place in caring for strangers? For his sister, anything. But for complete stragglers, heavens no. However, he did find it somewhat laughable that this male seemed so desperate to be on his own, no matter the situation. Ardor didn't recall meeting a wolf such as this one, who would do anything to drop a few strangers on someone else's lap just to be left alone. He understood it, yet at the same time, it was somewhat confusing. Wolves were social creatures, weren't they all?

As he went on, calling his sister an utter fool, Ardor's lip curled back about to snap this fool's muzzle clean off. He reigned himself in, clearing his throat quietly, his lips resting.

"And don't get me started on my opinion of you."

Smirking, Ardor stifled a chuckle. "I didn't think you had enough head space in there to dare think of me. I thought you were going to ramble on forever." Taking a few steps towards the lupine, he lifted his head upwards, tilting his maw downwards. No, Ardor was not that much larger than this wolf, but he felt the need to address his size in actions rather than words.

"Go on. I don't mind." Lifting a paw, he placed it against his foe's chest, shoving him backward. His goal was to make the joker fall right onto his rump, but Ardor doubted. He didn't use enough momentum against the wolf. It didn't help both of them were well built, and a simple shove could hardly make them trip over let alone completely fall onto their rumps.

Ardor softly growled, however not in aggression. It was simply something he did randomly as situations escalated that had a possible chance to lead to a few scrapes and trickles of blood.

It didn't come to mind that his little sister was right behind him, staying silent during the entire ordeal. Simply sitting there, watching. Whether she was watching waiting for her dimwit of a brother to make another cringe act or waiting just for any excitement. She sat there.

Dark box. The too-fresh memories of that rank contaner flooded Chinook's mind and he released an irritated huff. Sedona's facial expression had changed to a grimace as well, and she dipped her head. The large male observed the latest newcomer -- Kairo. He seemed relatively friendly. Or, rather, as friendly as a rightfully guarded wolf could be in such foreign circumstances.

The voice of the white female brought Chinook's orange eyes to her: "I smelled others, but I have not seen them."

Sedona's frame was relaxing quite clearly; it seemed the female was much more of a social butterfly than he himself was. Chinook turned his head to look back over his shoulder and added, "I came across three wolves that were not released; at least two of them had an established territory together. Other than them -- and you all, I suppose -- it's been quiet for me."

What was the point of telling them that, anyway? Was he trying to be helpful? How was that helpful? Perhaps the smells of fear and lingering urine had muddled his brains and turned them into scrambled goo. Chinook released a sigh to himself and shook out his coat, sending tiny clumps of snowflakes back into the air. His movements froze entirely, however, at Vada's suggestion -- question?

"You... want us to stick together," he restated, almost a question of his own. Sedona seemed to be considering her options, as her eyes had narrowed and she was thoughtfully staring off into the distance somewhere over Chinook's shoulder. "You -- Vada, right? -- you don't know any of us. We don't know each other. Are you so sure you want to dive head first into a semblance of pack life?"

The question was as much for himself and the other two as it was for the darker female, but Sedona seemed to have come to her own conclusion. She took the tiniest step closer to Vada and offered, "I'll stay with you. Strength in numbers, right?"

After a long silence on Chinook's end, Sedona continued -- bribed, really, "A larger group of wolves can take down larger prey. With all these lone wolves about, there might not be any small game for a while. I think this increases our chances of avoiding starvation; it is winter, after all."

She had good reasoning, Chinook thought, but he still didn't know either of the females or Kairo. He wasn't ready to make such a speedy decision. Then again, his life very well could depend on it. The male swished his tail out of mild frustration and huffed, "I... would consider it."

Kairo || Released || Mentions: Chinook, Vada, Sedona

His dark amber eyes scanned the rather small black canine. He had been close enough to catch her name in the middle of their conversation. Vada. The midnight wolf had confirmed that they had been released, along with others. The idea that mutliple wolves had been released in such close proximity vexed the male, as a flicker on confusion and thought crossed his face. What was the purpose? What did these humans have in mind for them? The plea for the three of them to stick together brought him out of his thoughts, making him blink as he set his gaze on her again.

To stick with some strangers was an odd call. He barely knew any of them, and he was sure that the three didn't know each other that well either. Banding together could be a dangerous call... But what other option did they have at this point? They were on new uncharted land, and there were more wolves nearby. Perhaps forming a makeshift alliance was a strategic move. As far as he could tell, none of them seemed to be crazy murderers... But then again, those types were always a bit shifty.

When the other male mentioned that he had come across several others who were not released, it almost made Kairo's fur bristle. Wolves with an established territory would probably be wary of newcomers, maybe even aggressive. The brown wolf cast his gaze around, glancing behind him once.

It seemed the male was unsure about the idea of sticking together, though. While Kairo understood his stance, he was more inclined to agree with the midnight wolf. And it seemed like he wasn't the only one. Sedona had taken the smallest step forward as she agreed. Not only did she agree, but she had also offered a couple pros to conjoining. It didn't take very long for Kairo to also take a step forward with a head nod.

"I agree. We are stronger together. As Sedona said, hunting together may give us the edge we need. And this is uncharted territory with other wolves nearby. It might be smart to make an alliance," he paused, "even if it's just temporary while we get our paws on the ground." His dark gaze scanned the other three before settling on Sedona last.