Everest | Female | High Warrior | M: Open

The she wolf treaded carefully over the forest ground. Her yellow eyes trained down to the ground, but her ears rotating for any alarming sounds around her. Everest was cautious and weary of the situation that her pack will be facing in any given moment. A new environment and potential allies or enemies. Her muscles were tight and her movements were in a fluid motion to continue. Though she was ready to spring into action with any proper reason. A growl, a snarl, or any hostile subject that would try to sustain the wolves joining this neutral night. That was Everest. She had no hesitation to strike first and ask questions later. It made her feel powerful and never weak. Weakness will lead to death and taken advantage of. Over her dead body would she even show her own pack and definitely strangers a shred of weakness.

Stone cold was outer shell with cold tone and sarcasm. She knew how to skin egos and leave them bleeding for everyone to see their true coward selves. Was Everest a monster? An answer she truly did not know.

Everest watched the wolves around her socialize and mostly buzz about their upcoming arrival. Anxious, fear, and excitement is all could she smell from the wolves around her. She did not even let it impact her emotions. She will continue display a hard stone face that made her look angry even if she wasn’t. Socializing was not her strong suit and she did not even care for it. Letting others get to know her was tricky and complicated. The less she had to say, the easier it was to be. The more she had to say, the more she could reveal. They were coming near of the border and she was now on full alert mode. She raised her head to look for any possible targets in front of her. Any hostile wolves that she could subdue. With no wolves that was not her pack she went back to keeping her eyes back to the ground with her ears on high alert. Her tail lashing and nose slowly drawing in scents waiting for a scent of another wolf that was not her own. It will be a shock for them as much as her. ShadowBane was all she ever knew. Even if she was found as a young pup. But she never could put the piece of how she got there and who was her true family. But she knew ShadowBane never abdanoned her and she would die for this pack. Never showing weakness and her loyalty was who she was.

Valkyria's ears twitched at Zoran's teasing remarks, matching his smirk with a playful glint in her eyes. His light-heartedness was a breath of fresh air amid the tension of the plan, and she appreciated it more than she let on.

Definitely taking an interesting route today..

"Interesting route indeed," she murmured in response, her gaze flickering to Hawk for a moment before returning to Zoran. She moved with a grace that matched Zoran's easy gait, their paws treading softly on the dry ground. For a moment, a glimmer of a nearby stream caught her attention, winding its way through the underbrush; the gentle babble adding a soothing sound to the air.

His comment regarding the weather nearly made her snort, though she caught it in her throat. At the mention of being a blanket, she averted her gaze from him, forcing herself to focus on the path ahead. "Oh, I'm sure wolves will be lining up for their turn to snuggle with our very own Zoran," she mused, her tail swishing in amusement. Glancing at him once more, she continued, "Tempting offer, but I have no choice but to refuse. I do so enjoy the cool of the night." Putting on her own theatrics was a rare but not impossible sight for Valkyria. It simply depended on the individual. In this case, having known Zoran for so long, such a conversation flowed easily.

After she had plucked the twig from her fur, she couldn't help but scoff lightly. Alright, she'll bite. "Pretending to be a tree, huh? Well, you might just pull it off. Well, I must admit, it was a rather convincing start." Eyes sparkling with entertainment, she remained focused upon him. "But if you're going to be a tree, you'll need more than a single twig. Perhaps a few leaves and some bark for authenticity?" Tilting her head, she gave him a once-over. "I wouldn't want to ruin your grand debut, after all."

Nudging him gently with her shoulder, her amusement increased. "Just don't expect me to water you," she added, leaning in as if sharing a secret. When Zoran mentioned how far they had come, Valkyria's expression softened, her amusement fading as she was reminded of the plan. "No turning back," she echoed, her tone resolute. The sight of the tree line's end brought a mixture of hesitation and anticipation, her emotions exposed momentarily before she resumed her composure. "Are you prepared to face them?" she asked, eyes glued on the approaching treeline. With that, she offered him a small smile, a silent reminder that whatever lay ahead, they were in it together.

Zoran - ShadowBane Warrior - Mentions: Valkyria, others indirectly

Zoran could sense the hesitation within the pack. It wasn't much of a surprise, even if being a bit uneasy was unlike the Shadowbane wolves. They were doing something that they had not done before. They were walking right out into the open, facing the other three packs. It felt like they were breaking their very code.

He had seen Tamar's uneasiness in the male's gait hust a few paces behind him. He also had seen Damon's dark form come up beside the nervous Tamar and share some words. Damon also seemed to be on edge, as Zoran hadn't missed the discomfort written across the Shadowbane wariror's face.

Zoran himself was nervous, although his casual walk and banter with Valkyria didn't quite show it. The male tested a glance in Hawk's direction, seeing their alpha move forward without any hesitation. The alpha's gait was smooth. Firm. It held no hesitation, no second guessing. It was as if each step was a confirmation of Hawk's decision. They would be moving forward with their plan. And while it seemed like the pack had reservations about it, here they were. All following their trusted leader.

Besides, if anyone had spoken up against Hawk, he would not have hesitated to push back against them. First with reason, of course. But if a pack wolf continued to question Hawk, Zoran had no doubt the wolf would have a new mark on them.

His dark amber gaze settled on Everest for a moment, seeing the High Warrior walk with an energy that mimicked Hawk's. Confident and fluid. At least someone else seemed just as confident as their leader. Zoran respected their High Warrior, and seeing her seem so calm had helped him ease his nerves as well.

Valkyria had countered his offer, claiming she enjoyed the cool night better. He responded with a fake pout, flattening his ears in a sign of dismay. The warrior sighed, casting his gaze away for a moment before looking back at her. “Oh alright. If that is what you prefer, I suppose I will stay away. Anything to please you, of course. But you know where to find me.”

His warm eyes shone with a twinkle of mirth and playfulness as she went along with his little game. He almost snorted as she claimed he needed a few more things than a single twig for his costume. “You make a good point, maybe I do need a little more if I am to convince anyone.” He saw her give him a look-over, and he did the same to her. “You know, you could make a convincing…” he paused to think for a moment. “Well, I am not sure what you would be. Maybe a bear. So fierce and scary.” He mused as his voice had lowered into a husky tone.

No turning back.

He realized a flash of unease had crossed her face for just a moment. He didn’t comment on it, though. Instead, he pressed his side into her for a moment as they walked alongside each other. His soft and thick pelt brushing his timber and smokey scent along her fur.

“Nope. Let’s watch these wolves cower.” He muttered under his breath. ShadowBane was nervous, that was for sure. But he couldn’t even fathom the fear the other wolves would have. Their own nightmares were going to stroll right into their meeting.

Walking alongside Zoran, Valkyria's mind buzzed with the pack's decision. She could practically feel the weight of their hesitation. It was unlike their typical confidence. How could it be? This was a monumental step for them, venturing out into the open to face the other three packs. However, to anybody outside of ShadowBane, she doubted they appeared anything less than assured. Even Valkyria felt uneasy. She was usually good at hiding her emotions, but this? She wasn't sure how convincing she was.

She glanced at the others. She was grateful that they seemed to be alert, doing their best to remain composed. Good. It calmed her. Her playful conversation with Zoran certainly helped. She hadn't had a conversation like this with him in, well, a while. Truthfully, she had distanced herself quite a bit, focusing on other tasks and herself. However, in this moment, she couldn't help but need her friend, just like old times.

When he mentioned her being a bear, her ear twitched lightly. Maintaining her playful facade, she glanced at him. "Oh, am I that intimidating?" She quipped, but inside, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. That was her, fierce and scary Valkyria. Brushing off the feeling, she continued. "Well, I suppose a bear wouldn't be too bad. Then again, with my natural charm and ability to lure others in, who needs to be a bear." In truth, Valkyria couldn't be more different. She lacked charm and the ability to captivate others. Though the idea entertained her nonetheless.

Her thoughts soon faded the moment Zoran offered his silent support, pressing his side against hers as they walked together. She was grateful her momentary unease didn't go unnoticed, though that didn't stop her from casting a glance around, hoping that nobody else caught that. Regardless, his soft fur and comforting scent brushed against hers, reassuring her. She couldn't help but lean in, perhaps a little too much for a brief moment before repositioning herself.

As he muttered about watching the other wolves cower, Valkyria's gaze turned resolute. "Absolutely," she murmured back, her voice steady. She wasn't sure if it was arrogance or naivety, but agreeing made her feel more at ease. After all, she felt a surge of confidence, fueled by Zoran's presence and their shared resolve.. But she couldn't help but cast a glance behind her. There, towards the end, her mother strolled. Valkyria couldn't deny her concern, despite their occasional strained connection; she still held affection for her. After all, Visha remained her mother.

Staring at her, she casted various glances her way, as if waiting for an invitation to speak with her or walk together. Just a subtle, minor gesture from her mother that invited her company, that was all. In the meantime, she would remain keeping an eye on her, throwing small, brief looks her way.