Blackmist

As Blackmist traveled with her younger cousin down into the lower depths of the human city, her mind was abuzz with thoughts of Quinn and her family leaving. She'd expressed her understanding to Quinn, knowing how stressful life with the Haunters could be, and that she held no hard feelings against them for making such a decision. She'd resisted her friend's suggestion to leave, and as the pair strolled down one of the wider alleyways, Blackmist continued the conversation, "Do you want me to talk with grandpa? I know he's not going to take it well.." And that, she knew, was a grand understatement, "..but the Haunters are so few now, and half of us are getting old, he won't be able to force any of you to stay. Maybe I can convince him to make an alliance with your pack? That way we can visit. I know Senka will surely agree to that."

As she spoke, Blackmist dropped into a slower walk, senses on high alert. Their last encounter with the Lurkers hadn't exactly been friendly, and she was keen on avoiding any sort of bloodshed today if she could help it.

Quinn

She followed Blackmist wary of being here. She wanted Black to come with but she couldn't force her. If you want to we ain't trying to hide it from himShe said.

Blackmist & War Dance

"It could be a good thing." Blackmist added on, trying to sound hopeful against the worry that had settled in her gut, "We've been isolated for so long, it'd be good to have alliances outside of the Ruins. Even if-" Her words cut short when they were interrupted by a low, deep bark. Blackmist froze, eyes and ears darting towards the source of the aggressive call.

They landed on a brindled hybrid half her own size, with a large, squared head and toes a pale white. It was War Dance, who stood with a stiffly raised tail and unwelcoming stare. She might be diminutive compared to these Haunters, but her confidence more than made up for that. "Haunters are not welcome on our turf." She rumbled after catching their attention, "Turn back now, or face the wrath of the Lurkers."

Quin

Quinn nodded then froze but would allow Blackmist to handle it her tail was tucked.

Blackmist & War Dance

Blackmist lowered her head and immediately shifted her dark tail downward, signaling her submission to the other. Her eyes trained for War's nose, rather than meet her direction gaze, "I'm sorry for the intrusion, we mean no harm to the Shadow Lurkers." Blackmist began, speaking carefully and calmly, "We haven't heard any returning word on your decision to accept an alliance with us, and we were sent to clarify your position." Blackmist didn't add in the other objective, which was to find a willing male that could offer her her first litter. At the moment though, that didn't seem a very pertinent topic to bring up.

War's eyes narrowed and nothing in her posture slackened in response to the submission and respect shown by these two. "The lack of response should have been answer enough." She returned, "Gwen has decided that an alliance with the Shadow Haunters at this time is too risky, considering your history with others in this Valley." The 'history' was all beyond War Dance, who knew of it only through stories passed on by Argolis and the others, but she stood firmly behind her mother's decisions.

Quin

Quinn was always submissive. She watched the male warily

Blackmist & War Dance

Blackmist had half expected this sort of reaction, and took it in stride without offering a glower or the bristling of a single fur. "I understand. Would..." The wolf's mind scrambled, trying to think of some way she might be able to salvage this operation before returning back to the Ruins and the wrath of her grandfather, "...or, is there something we can do that might change your mind? Can I speak with your allies?"

There was no change in War's stance as she listened to Blackmist, other than the slightest narrowing of her eyes as the other tried her best to reopen negotiations. "My alphas are busy, and you are not welcome here." Now she took a step forward, her limbs stiff, "I've been lenient enough already. You have one more warning to leave."