Blackmist

Black and light gray wolven entered the Alleys at a cautious trot, avoiding humans were she could, and steering clear of the house where Momo had been kept captive. She had become street-wise enough to cross roads safely and ignore the hounding bays of dogs chained away in their yards. And though she'd never traveled far into the Alleys, she'd come across the Lurker's unmistakable scent enough times to know where their domain started.

"Here's where we need to be cautious." The Haunter was saying to Quinn, slowing her pace as they entered a section of town where the buildings were larger, older, and spaced closer together. The scent of stray dog was stronger here, and the odor of Shadow Lurkers heavy. "We should wait here, and not encroach too far into their terra. Just keep in mind, we're here to make allies, so no need for raised tails or flashing fangs. We want to be respectful on their turf, even if they get hostile."

Quinn

Quin had aggreed to the fun outting but she wasn't too sure it would be but for now she just followed Black to he alleys her tail tucked under her.if they get hostile I will be of nose useShe said as she stopped where Black thought was a good plae to stop.

Gwen & Pack

The pair's journey through the Alleys had not gone unnoticed, and couldn't have come at a worse time. Darkwing, having been sent out to scout for trouble following the deaths of three packmates, immediately recognized Blackmist and returned to report his discovery. In minutes, the rest of the Shadow Lurkers had been rallied and were following the falcon back to the block where Black and Quinn had decided to stop.

The peregrine falcon swept low through the alley, then banked upward to perch on the edge of an overhead awning, where she'd have a good view of the Haunters. Higher above her, Pirqua was circling the skies and keeping vigilant for any other Haunters that might show up.

Across the street, Gwen was running hard, with War Dance and Argolis at her heals, Windcaller just beyond that, and Cael taking up the rear. By the time the brindle wolfdog reached the spot where Blackmist had stopped, her hackles were up and her lips curled back in a blatant display of aggression. "Haunters!" Her snarl came hard and fast, and dripping with accusation. Skyilt's death was fresh on her mind, and this pack represented the likely culprit in it. "Surround them!"

Argolis was quick to rush in and circle sharp behind the pair. Far larger than his daughter, the ex-alpha further enhanced his size by raising his hackles and flagging his dark tail in the air.

Even larger than them, Windcaller stood to the side of Gwen, snarling and flashing her fangs as she eyed up Blackmist and a meek Quinn. To Gwen's opposite side was her daughter War Dance, who despite her recent trauma, also spared no expense in flashing her fangs and adopting a hostile posture.

Only Cael hung in the background, head down and tail partially tucked. He had no fight left in him.

Quinn

Quinn when she heard the snarls immediately sunk down again almost rolling right onto her back really. Her ears flat back and tail hard tucked. How could her grandfather send her to do this to such a pack that obviously didn't like them? She didn't even know if she could speak due to her fear and submissivness. Fear clearly shown on her as she cowered down.

Zozen followed his mother and growled but then stopped himself when he noticed the younger wolf posture and frowned.

Honz and zeus followed tails up and fur bristled.

Blackmist

'Shit.' The thought echoed in her head when the majority of the pack responded to their presence and came rushing for them. She had half a mind to turn and run, but didn't want to report back as a failure and prove Tersek right. So she lowered her head and tail, keeping her fur flat and her eyes just shy of Gwen and Honz's own gazes. A shoulder was pressed against Quinn's as she cautiously found her voice and spoke out as evenly as calmly as she could muster.

"We're not here to cause trouble." Blackmist glanced through the faces present, wondering if this were the whole pack, or if there were others. "Quinn and myself came on behalf of the Shadow Haunters to request an alliance with your pack."

Gwen & Pack

"An alliance?" Gwen almost stumbled over the words, and shot Honz and Argolis a questioning look. Her father's look hardened, showing no ounce of trust for this pair or the pack they represented. The alphess looked back to Blackmist and Quinn, "Why would the Haunters want an alliance with us? Don't you have cats to help protect you out there?"

War Dance held back a shiver at the mention of cats, as it brought back memories of the recent fight. Dark brown eyes turned critically to the pair of Haunters, waiting to see what either one would say to that.

In the background of it all, Cael and Zozen were the only two Lurkers who didn't look like that were ready to pounce and tear these uninvited guests to shreds. In fact, a meek Cael even took a few steps back, ready to turn and slink away from the confrontation.

Quinn

Quinn kept herself pressed low. "Our pack has been split a group of big cats that call themselves the makucha have broken from us. We dont know what thier plans are but they forced our leader senka and two others to have cubs. That plan backfired on them but they are a threat. We got wind that some of yours may of been attacked" she studdered over her words as she was barely standing.

Honz listened. "If these cats are against you. Then why are they killing anyone they come across, especcially young"

Blackmist

'Good job, Quinn.' Blackmist thought, and thumped her tail once against her younger companion to show encouragement. Ears perked at Honz's rebuttal, and she raised her dial slightly as she took the question, "We don't know why, but they have attacked us multiple times as well. We have also been dealing with a potential human aggressor, and have lost several packmates under suspicious circumstances." Blackmist bowed her head lower, doing her best to show respect to the Lurkers, "We recognize the Shadow Lurkers as a powerful group, and I know we've had shaky relationships in the past, but we believe an alliance can benefit both of our Families."

Gwen & Pack

Gwen was not so easily swayed by Quinn's explanation or Blackmist's humble gesture. She recalled the stories her father told her, and of the hardships her grandmother Hydras had led them through, all starting with Risen's fateful departure from their group. Irritation rose in the alphess, but she would not known for being indecisive or rash in her decisions. A clear and sharp mind carefully piloted her response, "We likewise recognize the Shadow Haunters as a formidable group, but I can't on good conscious accept an invitation without truly knowing your pack and where they stand right now. It's been a long time since we've interacted with one another." Her snarling had subsided, though her hackles and tail remained high, and her face far from inviting. "Before any agreement can be made, Honz and I will have to meet with your leaders, and decide from there where we stand."

Argolis stood still, but not quiet. A rumble continued to roll through his chest with every breath, making it clear where he stood when it came to the Haunters. The noble ex-alpha would follow whatever path Honz and his daughter took, but he wouldn't be shy about his feelings regarding the Haunters.

Quinn

She listened but even though Gwen had quieted she remained belly on the ground. Would her Grandfather be happy with this response? Would he stop showing disdain toward her? Or would he be disappointed? She felt blackmists tail. "We can see about setting up a meeting somewhere neutral but with the threat of the Makucha it may be difficult" she said.

Honze listened . But let Gwen take the lead

Blackmist

Despite all the growling and clearly unhappy canines that surrounded them, Blackmist felt a small bubble of optimism rise in her. The Lurkers were at least giving them a chance at this alliance, but as Quinn pointed out, getting to the next phase could be tricky. With her head still lowered, the hybrid spoke, "We may have to do some scouting to try and secure a safer location. If you know of any areas yourself, we'd be happy to hear them out."

Gwen & Pack

Gwen's harsh expression didn't relent, "These other cats attacked dangerously close to the city, a place we felt was safe from such assaults. If they are that bold, it may be difficult secure a truly safe rendezvous." She studied the pair before her, one Haunter with her head and tail bowed low, and the other one nearly on the ground itself in submission. Gwen appreciated the respect, but part of her was suspicious as well. "Speak to your leaders and see what they have to offer, and we'll see what we can find - we'll decide from there whether a second meeting is worthwhile. Now go, leave our land."