TIMBERHOLD AND OUTSIDERS

A fox may change its skin but never its character.

Since Ruven and his band of outsiders set fire to the old Heartwood, Timberhold has had a severe distrust of those not already within Timberhold. Outsiders must undergo thorough investigation by multiple different Timbers, questioning their reasoning for visiting Timberhold, or seeking to join their ranks. All outsiders, regardless of reasoning for being within Timberhold, are held within the War Wood under the watchful eye of Cedar and Birch Timbers. This is meant to be a sort of intimidation tactic, to warn outsiders of the power Timberhold possesses. They are never permitted beyond the borders of the scarlet woods. If found outside of it, they are promptly escorted out of the Wilds permanently. If the Valleyfolk was of another pack on a diplomatic mission, they are sent with the instruction to inform that pack's leaders to send another individual with a smarter sense of self preservation and respect, or the next one will not return home.

If seeking to join Timberhold, outsiders will be tested on their skills to prove that they are capable of providing for the pack, and pose no threat to their lives. When those overseeing their tests approve of them, the outsider is permitted into the Heartwood, where they will undergo the process of officially becoming a Timber.

TIMBERHOLD AND ITS MEMBERS

Many are called, but few are chosen.

Timberhold is a very close-knit pack. Those that have proven themselves worthy to join, or were born amongst them, are all like a family to one another. While many have their own individual blood families, the bond between members is often relating to that of cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. despite having not blood relation. All help with one another.

When an outsider joins Timberhold and have successfully completed the tests in the War Wood, they are brought to the Heartwood. Here, the current Crown will inspect them themself, and if approving, gives the outsider the Crown's Blessing as a final stamp of approval. The new Timber is then instructed to scrape their paw pad upon a rock, drawing blood, before scuffing it along the bark of Avros's Throne, symbolizing their acceptance and new place amongst Timberhold.

TIMBERHOLD TERMINOLOGY

Common phrases used by those in the Wilds.

"Timber" - The term used to generically call a Timberhold Valleyfolk. 

"The Wilds" - The broad, generic term to refer to all of Timberhold and its territory.

"Branch" - The "jobs" in Timberhold. When referring to which task a Timber may have, they often say "I follow the branch of the willow" or "I'm of the     oak branch"

"wither" - A derogatory term used to describe someone who is without honor or unworthy of respect

"twig" - An endearing term often referring to young Valleyfolk of Timberhold, sort of a teasing jab at their youthfulness and inexperience. Can also be                 used sometimes to insult someone who is showing weakness or failure at something.

"Avros's Teeth" - Used as a threat to those who are stepping out of line and being disrespectful; "Watch your tone, less you find yourself between Avros's Teeth."

"Crown's Blessing" - Both a literal and figurative phrase. In the literal sense, the current Crown will bless those who wish to join Timberhold and they       approve of. Figuratively, this is used as a friendly greeting to one another.

"wilt" - A derogatory term used to describe outsiders, or Valleyfolk not of Timberhold

"bound" - Referring to those which are considered a mated pair. Can be used to refer to a singular one; "My bounded"

"Time will heal" - A phrase that does mean literally - time will heal. It is often used to remind fellow Valleyfolk to not give up hope, and to remember   things will get better eventually.