Iopa

Iopa stood a few paces back from the border, reading over the scents that lay like an open book across the invisible boundary.

-A single alpha, relatively young. Five fairly older males, along with two younger ones. Three older females... ...and a cat?-

Iopa was no spring chicken herself, but the years had been surprisingly kind to the wolf who spent most of her time on her own. She knew the Valley well, and after so many seasons without companionship, Iopa was ready to start a new chapter for herself.

Wind ruffled her cinnamon-fawn coat, and brought with it a slew of new odors. That cat came up again, so strongly that Iopa wondered why the pack hadn't driven it off yet. She didn't pay much heed to that, for now. It was the scent of the males that had attracted Iopa, and it was to them that she called for when she turned her vocals to the sky in a lilting howl.

Stormrunner

Iopa's howl was soon met by Stormrunner's, and backed up by the piercing vocals from his father. Starscream may no longer be the leader, but he still occasionally acted like it.

Minutes later, Stormrunner was on the scene, loping briskly towards the source of the unfamiliar call. A dark gray tail was held aloft, shadowing a slightly paler gray body carried on long, sturdy limbs. With a glossy winter coat fully expanded and neatly groomed, Stormrunner was in his prime and he looked the part. He had settled in nicely to his role as alpha, though this would be his first test with a newcomer on their turf.

"Greetings." He started off with, noting that the she wolf had remained politely behind the border, "I'm Stormrunner, son of Starscream-" A faint flick of his head was given to indicate the elder wolf that was just now catching up to join his son, "-and Tayzeka, leader of the Aspen Grove pack." With introductions out of the way, he waited for the other to speak their business.

Starscream remained a few paces to Storm's right, his tail rigid and raised, but not quite as high as Stormrunner's.

Iopa

The she-wolf examined the two that met her at the border. She nodded her broad muzzle to each as they were introduced, "You can call me Iopa, daughter of Lakota and Halberd." Her dark, almond brown eyes fixated on Stormrunner, "I'm actually here in hopes of joining your pack."

Stormrunner & Others

Stormrunner committed the name to memory, finding it and her parents complete strangers to him. As he listened to the rest of her words, he was struck by the forthright manner that she spoke with, and impressed with her calm, polite etiquette. The decision on whether to grant her request was an easy one. "A pleasure to meet you, Iopa. You're welcome to join the pack; welcome to the Aspen Grove." The wolf let his banner sway now, doing away with the stiffness it carried moments ago as Iopa went from stranger to family member.

To announce her arrival, Stormrunner pointed his muzzle towards the heart of the pack and howled, letting all know that Iopa had joined them.

Starscream immediately stepped forward, the stiffness in his tail not entirely loosened. "Are you new to the Valley? What allies and enemies do you have?" There was no waiting for permission from Iopa as he circled around her, sniffing at her coat and trying to learn what he could of her travels and history.

Iopa

Iopa wasted no time in stepping across the barrier, letting her flag hang loose and carefree. She stretched her neck, bring her muzzle forward to sniff noses with Stormrunner, while her eyes danced unabashed over his face, "Thank you, Storm." She smiled, her features shifting from polite and diplomatic to something friendlier and more inviting.

The cinammon and buff she-wolf was not offended by Starscream's brisk questions or the way he carried himself so tensely. "No, I've actually lived here most of my life. I've passed across the mountains a few times, but I've always come back. At least one of my brothers still lives here; I've heard him calling in the southern mountains from time to time." With these questions answered, Iopa was back to gazing at Stormrunner, without an ounce of hesitation or shyness slowing her words, "Would you like to show me around the packlands?"