Darkening Sky Pack & The Spirits of the Dawn Rp

Foxfire led Frost Dawn to the Great Pine, nosing the area where he'd supposedly scented the other pack. Sure enough, the faint but lingering scent of Skipping Stone's pack hung there, at the base of the tree.

No rage flared in Frost Dawn's heart, but only a flicker of satisfaction that her wolves were loyal. "So you did not go past the Great Pine?" "I didn't," He answered, looking at her truthfully. Her wisdom told her he was telling the truth. "Alright. Go back to camp, now. I need to figure out some things." Bowing, Foxfire retreated into the forest.

So Darkening Sky had been on Dawn territory. Looking off into Skipping Stone's territory, Frost Dawn's icy eyes burned with blue fire. "I must see her again," She decided. "But not at the moment." Turning, she headed back to her own pack.

When she emerged into camp, it seemed the whole pack knew what was going on. Whispered murmurs and hisses spread around the clearing. Casting dirty looks towards Silverlight and Foxfire, Frost Dawn climbed up the slanted rock spire in the middle of camp, what the pack called the Leader's Rock.

A long howl summoned every wolf in the pack, from pup to elder. The expectant faces turned up to look at her, curious. "I have found there is a neighboring pack." Eager voices began bubbling up, but a stern bark silenced them. "The Darkening Sky pack leader, Skipping Stone, has spoke to me. There were some complications that I will not go into-" There were some moans, making Frost Dawn glare at them. "-but everything has turned out alright. There is nothing more to be discussed." Howling the dismissing howl, she leapt off the Leader's Rock. 

(Ebony actually just died but for continuity sake she’ll be present here)

Skipping Stone watched as Cinder scrambled over to Ebony. The older wolf seemingly annoyed at first. Until Cinder barked something in reply that made Ebony nod and lock eyes with Skipping Stone. Within moments Ebony and Cinder were seated in front of Skipping Stone eye’s and ear’s open.

“You two were right, there is another wolf pack bordering us...” Skipping Stone trailed off noticing Cinder’s shocked and irritated expression. “Even though you —Cinder— disobeyed by rules, your disobedience did lead to an important discovery. Which is why your punishment is no where near the severity it could have been,” Skipping Stone huffed. Satisfied to see her explanation made Cinder simmer down and nod respectfully.

“Why didn’t you tell this to the pack?“ Ebony made no haste in asking direct questions she almost demanded to be answered by Skipping Stone. After all, Ebony was Skipping’s mother and Skipping Stone had more than enough respect for the old, tough, she-wolf. 

“Have you looked at our pack? They are weak, we are weak. Either they would panic or do something stupid... like always,” Skipping Stone’s words were bitter as she glared out of her burrow den. Eyeing the oblivious pack members that walked around just outside the den.

“Our pack is not weak Skipping, Temperate was a good leader that left the pack in wonderful conditions.” These were words Skipping Stone knew all to well. Her mother always went on and on about how great their pack really was, but she only thought the pack was great because she was friends with Temperate. Her better judgement was blinded by the connection she had with Temperate(in Skipping Stone’s mind at least). Of course, Skipping Stone didn’t argue with Ebony and simply sighed in response.

Cinder feeling the awkward tension spoke up, “Well, what are you going to do? When it comes to the other pack I mean.”

“Simple, I will go to the border and try to meet with their leader again. Discuss territory terms, peace between our two pack, plans for future leader meetings and so forth. I’m not sure what will come out of it but I will set this pack up for success.” Skipping Stone answered with no falter to her tone or confidence. She knew exactly what needed to be done and by sun down tomorrow it would be accomplished. “That is all I have to tell you two. You are dismissed.” Cinder glanced from Skipping Stone to Ebony. However, neither said a word. It wasn’t until Ebony had gotten up and left and Cinder had only her tail in Skipping Stone’s den that she cooed, “And don’t you dare tell a soul about this new pack before I’m ready. In fact, make sure you never mention you knew before anyone else at all.” The cold tone in Skipping Stone’s voice was enough of a warning to Cinder to keep her muzzle shut and hurry off. Leaving Skipping Stone alone as she prepared herself for sleep. The moon beginning to rise.

—————

((This is where Skipping Stone will leave off. Thinking you have Frost Dawn reply and then there is a time skip to the next day or you do the time Skip, whatever you want honestly.))

((Oof RIP Ebony. I'll time-skip to morning though, yeah after I write some stuff?))

Frost Dawn retired to her den, ignoring all the whispered murmurs from other members of the back. Resting her head on her paws, the soft grass beneath her body made it feel as if she were floating on a cloud. The gentle sound of the fragrant moonflowers draped over her den entrance lulled her. Drowsy and tired, she drifted off into deep sleep.

The light streaming through the den entrance awoke Frost Dawn. Yawning and stretching to shake off the sleepiness engulfing her, she poked her regal nose through the draped flowers.

The camp was already buzzing with activity. The dawn hunters returned with an impressive catch, and the scouts were being sent out by Silverlight. The warriors barking a greeting to Frost Dawn, they continued along their duties. Frost Dawn barked impatiently to summon Silverlight, who scrambled to make his way over to her.

"I'm going to meet Skipping Stone again," Frost Dawn said impatiently, Silverlight nodding. "You'll be in charge while I'm gone. Don't do anything I wouldn't approve of." Brushing past him, she trotted lightly out of camp.

The birds chirped in the lush trees as Frost Dawn darted around them, breathing in the cool, damp air. Dewdrops clung to her fur, but she shook them off, scattering them into the grass. Approaching the border between hers and Skipping Stone's territory, she sat at the edge, determined to wait until Skipping Stone came, or a patrol came around to take her to Skipping Stone.

The sunlight warming her back dried the dampness in the air. It became unbelievably hot; Frost Dawn had thick fur to protect her from the cold and dew like the rest of her pack. Panting softly, she looked around for shade. Lying in the cool shadow of a pine tree, she let out a relieved sigh.

Skipping Stone was awakened by the harsh beams of light that shined down into the leader's burrow. With only a slight groan in her throat Skipping Stone rose and shook her pelt. Stretching out her forelegs before bursting out of her burrow and stalking her way out of camp. She felt emotionally drained from the interaction she had yesterday, a lot was still on her mind when to went to sleep. Now, as made her way closer and closer to the border her pack shared with The Spirits of the Dawn pack Skipping Stone felt her drain build. Not knowing how things would turn out when she got to the border again made her feel uneasy. She didn't like not being in control and certainly didn't want anything to go south when her pack was still so weak. Skipping Stone kept a steady gallop going, weaving between every tree and bush that stood in her way. Hoping today would go just as smoothly as yestday.

Slowing Down as she neared the border Skipping Stone eventually came to a stop. Sniffing the area before stalking forward, senses on high alert. This was completely unnecessary, however, as Skipping Stone spotted the tawny-colored leader on her side of the border. Resting under a pine tree as if to stay cool. The weather in the Darkening Sky Packs territory was always mild or hot. This is mind Skipping Stone and her pack members had fairly short coats that only thickened out in the fall. To Skipping Stone, the weather this particular morning was chilly. Leaving the leader to wonder why Frost Dawn looked so hot. Though curious Skipping Stone brushed the thought aside. More important matters on her mind.
"Frost Dawn, I'm glad to see you here. Were you looking to speak to me as well?" Skipping Stone howled in the other leader's direction. Creeping forward until her paws were aligned with the old pine tree.

A sly smile appeared on Frost Dawn's face as she spotted-well, heard-Skipping Stone some ways away. "Skipping Stone. A pleasure." She dipped her head politely. "I suppose your scout travelled beyond the proper borders? Foxfire tells me, and I have scented your pack on this tree." She gestured with her tail. "I hope you have given them the proper punishment." She licked her lips.

"Anyway." Frost Dawn stood from the shady spot, shaking her thick coat. "I did want to speak to you. About the...incident. As I said, Foxfire did not go into your territory." Her voice was even, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "Surely your wolves are well-trained. I hope we can overlook this incident in the future."

((Sorry it's so short.))

Skipping Stone studied the other leader's face with every word that slipped from her mouth. Trying to detect any signs of anger, distrust, or hostility.  Not seeing signs of any of the above Skipping parted her jaw, "Yes, yes she did." Skipping Stone's words seemed almost hollow. Thinking back to Cinder and her disobedience. A part of her now wishing she had kicked the she-wolf out of camp for a couple of sun passes as punishment. "Cinder has been given more than a proper punishment. No wolf of mine disobeys my orders and gets off scot-free," Skipping's tone quickly changed to one full of venom and displeasure, however, she never rose her voice. Keeping it the same, low volume it had been the moment she began to speak.

More than glad to move forward from Cinder's trespassing Skipping Stone nodded in response to Frost Dawn's words.
"I would have to agree. I'm deeply sorry for Cinder's actions..." Skipping Stone trailed off. Squeezing her eyes tightly together and halfway baring her teeth as she uttered, "Along with my own when we first met," she finally choked. Finding it hard to admit she had been in the wrong that day. "If you do not wish to dwell on the incident neither do I. My eyes are looking towards the future. One that hopefully includes peace between our two-packs," taking in a deep breath Skipping Stone opened her eyes. "I came here wanting to discuss some sort of... peace treaty between our packs, " pausing Skipping Stone brushed by the old pine tree. Making sure not even a stray piece of fur touched Frost Dawn's territory. "An alliance, if you will," Skipping finally breathed turning back to look Frost Dawn in the eyes.

((It's fine and sorry I'm taken a minute to reply))

((It's fine, I don't mind))

Frost Dawn raised a surprised eyebrow. "An apology? In all my years being leader of my pack, I've never heard an apology from a fellow leader." She bowed her head. "I forgive you. And I also am sorry for my actions. We are better to leave this incident in the past." Feeling that matter was over, she neatly curled her tail around her paws.

"An alliance? For what need?" Frost Dawn looked at Skipping Stone with burning curiosity. She paused for a moment. "What will it benefit both packs? If you are suggesting we share territories, I must politely decline. By an alliance, I speak of working together. Helping each other when needed. Fighting on the same side." She tilted her head to the side, eyes narrowing. "Do you understand? I hope you do."

(I don't mind, really! :D Take as much time as you need. I'll be here ^^.)

Frost Dawn nodded curtly. "Thank you for understanding. And yes, that's what I meant, what you're describing." Her ears flicked in the cool wind. She paused for a moment, thinking. "If what you're saying will be kept, then I agree to the alliance. But, if one of our wolves cross this boundary line-" She set her paw on the oak tree, carefully making sure the place it was resting was on her side. "-we have the right to attack and punish. That's only fair, isn't it? And what else I'd like to know is where this meeting will be held." She glanced around for a moment. "I'd prefer right here, actually. The boundary. Your wolves on your side, my wolves on my side. Then at least we can talk without crossing territories." Frost Dawn eyed Skipping Stone carefully, waiting for her reaction. "Will these terms fit with you?"