Xola || 6 || Female || Wolf || Eastern Medic || M: Killjoy, Injured Wolves (Ind), Open

The night-pelted female could practically see the tiredness in his form. The ache in his bones. A small habit of hers it was, as mentioned once before – picking up on the physical as well as (sometimes) mental issues going on with wolves. It was both a blessing and a curse. But, in this case, it would act as a blessing… for Killjoy, anyway.

His weariness as well as his shut eyes lessened her outward aggression and anger. Was he expecting a physical assault? A strong bite to the neck? Death by the hands of a pacifist?

To be fair, he knows not of my distaste towards violence… being acted out on my own terms, anyway. I did just join his pack, after all. Why would he?

Still, it was almost laughable to her. But, she couldn’t blame him. Her last remark could easily be taken the wrong way by most. Well, guess I’ll just have to show him what I actually meant then.

The charcoal painted female proceeds to listen to all of his statements without so much as a change in stance, expression, or gaze – minus the lifting of her ears. Honestly, she found the whole response hilarious, to an extent. Even if she held a strong distaste towards how negative he was of himself. But his last remark as well as his lifted gaze is what really tickled her funny bone.

Xola lets out a single, simple chuckle at this exact response – slowly blinking her eyes closed then open once more. Tilting her head to the side, she gives him a soft yet still obviously annoyed expression. Stress was still evident on her features, but to a much lesser degree than before.

“I believe that you just did the job for me,” she smirks slightly, holding a hint of playfulness that one would not expect for such an interaction. But she wasn’t finished, just yet. Dropping the smirk, she takes a small step forward – stopping mere centimeters from his nose – and juts her snout out towards the male. Her expression was one of curiosity now with a tint of what could only be described as smugness. Yet it was not even close to it. A mystery emotion that even she couldn’t describe.

“Though, I must ask… If you acknowledge your flaws – your mistakes – why not correct them? You’re how old now? Surely, you’ve thought of changing the very traits that put your own life, as well as the pack, at stake? For the betterment of all of those around you?”

Her head tilts in inquiry as she reads his expression. Though, she gives him no time to answer – preferring the idea to let him stew in her words. Turning around, she swishes her tail in his face – being mindful to not outright hit him in the process. She begins to stalk off once more to care for the other wolves in her den, but not before throwing her head over her shoulder to speak once more.

“Oh, and, Killjoy,” she waits to see if she has grabbed his attention before speaking, “You’re not selfish. Or stupid-faced. Or arrogant for that matter. Just reckless and charmingly stupid. You care a lot for your pack, and I admire that. But I will not lay down and watch as you risk your life needlessly. I will say this as many times as I have to, but you are the glue that holds us together. Our leader. The one who should differentiate between right and wrong, guide us through trouble and settle disputes. A protector, yes, but not one that thinks before he acts. It is those leaders that always fail their pack. And I do not believe that you will do that to us. Just, please. Don’t disregard my aid next time. Yeah?”

Frodo || 9 Years || Male || Strays United Scavenger || M: Ash

The small canine watches the wolf intently, his eyes never leaving the much larger being – meeting his harsh gaze with a cutting one of his own. His body, on the other hand, showed signs of “spring-load” tightness rather than aggressiveness and was ready to run at the slightest hint of hostility. This “staring contest” continued until his stomach had rumbled, causing him to glance down and turn his fiery eyes towards his midsection in annoyance. Why now, of all times, did ya have ta rumble?

Apparently, he wasn’t the only one who would be reacting to the sound. The young wolf’s words caught his attention once more as he eagerly listened to his short statement. By the end of it, he found himself to be decently shocked. Letting a competitor keep a piece of prey – hungry or not – with winter so near? Odd, to say the least. But what really caught him off guard was the youngin’s generous gift. A lemming, which he had likely caught not too long ago (if its temperature was anything to go by). His eyes meet the wolf’s once more as the small critter is tossed his way, trying to understand his motivates. Though, he does not dare to argue against it.

Taking a seat in front of the two deceased rodents, he grins up at the wolf before him, “Aw, thank ya, Sonny boy! That’s mighty kind of ya!”

Frodo goes to rest on his front paws in a sort of laying position, grunting in exertion as a small twinge of pain tingles up his old and creaky bones. He elects to ignore this, though, as to get – at least – something inside his stomach. His eyes focus in on the lemming as he leans over to gingerly grab it, choosing to grab that one first since it was granted to him by one of the residents of this area. It would be rude of him not to eat this due to the circumstances, after all. He spares a short glance or two towards the other canine in search of any contrary actions as he does. He couldn’t let anything split past him at this moment. Finding none by the time he had the lemming against his front legs, he began to chow down on the offering.

The meal now had his full attention, preventing him from hearing one or two of the young one’s remarks. In particular, the one about a certain dog pack being near the river he had been traversing. One that he knows nothing of (and would likely investigate if he did).

However, his large near bat-like ears did pick out the phrase, ‘I’m so glad I don’t have to kick you out’ in between his mumblings. As well as his introduction. Pausing in his consumption, his eyes flicker up towards the green eyed fellow to contemplate his words. He had no idea as to why the wolf didn’t have to kick him out. He was a trespasser, after all. But, once again, he wouldn’t dare complain. Best to just roll with it, for the sake of his own hide.

“Nice ta meet such a kind young lad as yourself, Ash. Glad I wasn’t a bother for ya,” he mumbles in between bites. Swallowing the final strip of his meal not a moment later, he looks up at the male before him – his hunger now satiated for the time being – and responds to the latter part of his statement. “You’ve met other dogs, ey,” he releases a string of cackling chuckles, “Surprised that any others have come out this way. It’s not a journey for the meek, after all. Which most dogs are.”

With that said, the min pin mix goes to stand – stretching out to the best of his abilities to relieve his bones of any ache they may have developed. He circles around to pick up his pika afterwards, his back facing the wolf that he was now pretty sure he could trust… even if he did keep one ear pinned backwards to listen for any sudden movements. But, before picking up his catch, he speaks once more, “Well, it’d be intuitive of me ta get out of your hairs. Ya can follow me ta the border if ya desire, so ya can tell you’re alpha that I left. Wouldn’t mind the company, either.”

Quilo || 3 Years, 5 Months || Male || Strays United Guard || M: Temari, Alha, Kenai (Ind), Shalah (Ind)

All that pride accumulated from “stealthy” action evaporates the minute Temari begins to laugh. Surprise makes its way into the male’s ice blue orbs which glance her way the moment the sound begins. Had… had she… seen him grab the item? But… he was so sure that no one was looking when he did…

Deciding not to question it any further, he simply glances away from the bright colored female – a slight case of embarrassment coursing through his cheeks. At her words and the defeat of his rising cheek fur, he looks back to her. His ears twitch as she speaks, taking in both her words and their surroundings. Though, when her gaze shifted to the trees around them, his own eyes couldn’t help but follow. Looking left, then up (tilting his head up to do so), then right, then up again. The colors of the woods were stunning this time of year. He could only imagine what it looked like in the seasons to come.

“You know, I’ve never actually seen the woods before joining up with the pack,” his eyes don’t leave the trees as he speaks, continuing to scan the numerous colors the surrounding world has to offer, “It’s a lot… leafier than I imagined.”

The husky spends quite a bit of time just flickering his icy blue orbs over various patches of orange, brown, and green before quickly glancing down at the passing alpha the moment she begins to brush past him. Getting the memo, he slows down just a tad to let her take the lead. But he does stay mostly in step with her, just being a hair behind.

Passing through a rather interesting grove of trees (in his opinion), Quilo tries his best not to pass or squash the alpha as he descends the slope into the camp – his body not used to such an incline yet and being weighed down by his form. Thankfully, however, he had enough control to not do any of this and followed Alha to the center of the camp. He stands to her side in the clearing, facing the two newcomers as they join them in the “new” area. As she speaks, he lends her words none of his attention (even if they were not directed to him). Instead, his eyes roam her coat, thinking of how he could give her the item he now held.

He had not been expecting her to move when she did, jumping back slightly as he watched her turn and walk away. He looks after her for a minute or two, paying little mind to Temari trotting off and her brother (who he still couldn’t remember the name of) who was chasing after the alpha. Well, that’s not entirely true. He did give Temari’s brother some of his attention as he was planning on going over to Alha himself. But he could still mostly care less about it.

The husky mix stays where he was for a moment or two, allowing the other two canines to wrap up the conversation they seemed to be having before finally acting. He canters over – the item now hanging out of the right side of his mouth – and calls out for the shepherd’s attention to ensure that she wouldn’t walk away before he could do anything.

“Hey, Alha!”

He “gracefully” (or rather clumsily) skids to a stop behind his alpha, a large smile plastered on his face. Without another word, he bends down towards the female’s shoulder and finally “gives” her the object he had collected – manipulating it in such a way that it tangles itself into the fur of her lower neck (right before it reaches her shoulders). It was a purple alpine aster – not that he knew, as he just thought that it would be a beautiful addition to her already gorgeous coat. Its multitude of petals had remained mostly intact after being picked by him, and the green stem stuck slightly out of her long and thick fur.

Pulling away with a prideful smile, he speaks, “Thank you for accepting me into the pack, and taking me on that trip! I’m glad to have you as my packmate and alpha.”

With that being said, he turns to head to where he last saw the magic dog to see if she needed any more assistance. But, along the way, he does shout one last thing over his shoulder with his grin growing even wider: “We should do that again, sometime!”

Ash nodded in response to Frodo thanking him. The way Ash saw was that since he was saved by a dog, he should help out a dog whenever he would see one. Besides, that little mouse thing wouldn't be very helpful in filling a wolf's belly. It would do more good for Frodo to eat it. As the small dog ate, Ash watched him curiously but made sure to keep alert to their surroundings. It seemed predators were popping up often now, so he didn't want to let his gaurd down. Especially because he technically wasn't supposed to be out here alone. Well, he wasn't alone anymore atleast. "Nice to meet you, as well."

.

Ash tilted his head at Frodo's laughter. What was so funny? The male then realized with Frodo's next words that the dog misunderstood. Ash shook his head. "No, your the first dog ive seen out here. But I've been in the town before. One of the stray dogs saved me so i try to help dogs out when i see them...Though i have to say your the only one I've actually helped." When Frodo brought up coming with him to the border, Ash hesitated. He honestly didn't care wether the dog left or not because as far as he knew Frodo was apart of the dog pack and was allowed to be here. Plus he still needed to get food for Anya and Brielle. But when Frodo brought up not minding the company, Ash sighed. If Frodo wanted the company, then the young male could sacrifice some of his time. Besides, Ash didn't mind the thought of talking a bit more with Frodo.

.

"Alright, ill come with you." Ash answered, standing up. The male had a quick stretch before walking over to Frodo's side. "No offense, but how did you even manage to survive out here? You aren't necessarily the biggest thing out here in the forest." Ash asked, trying his best not to be rude as he began the walk to the border. He was quite curious, as Frodo was the first dog to be out here alone. He didn't even have a pack member with him right now. An eagle could easily snatch him up and a wolf could probably somewhat easily smash him. Or was he actually stronger than he looked?

With an overdramatic dip of his head, Frost admitted to his rumors dramatically before turning towards Zera, the most mischievous grin she'd seen in a while plastered across his face as he coldy said his next sentence. "Yay!" She yelped, her ears perked up and her tail wagging after he noted on how the two might get along well. After his next sentence, she began another question about Shadow. "What things did he kill? Boar? Stags? Cougars?" She asked, a curious expression on her face. She wasn't asking these questions for no reason though, she was more asking these questions as a way to gain information on how strong this wolf is, and if he is a threat to them or not. It was more questions in fear, rather than curiosity, but she hid that fear well.

~

After the two had ended their "Shadow" conversation, their next one began when Frost replied to the many techniques she had told him. Her fur puffed up and her tail wagged slightly, not even noticing that he was more looking towards Bluu with a slight look of surprise as she atrociously brought the hare down after draining it's little hope for life. She was totally used to her sister's cruel nature by now, as the two had grown up together and always stuck together, while their brother was more of a free spirit, especially after Bluu's loss of all her sanity. Sometimes it made Zera wonder if it's really Kimu's fault for her sister's cruelty, or if it's just an awful personality her sister has.

~

Zera was about to ask Frost about his hunting techniques, but he already answered her question with his next sentence. He must be a trap specialist ta be able ta take down humans! She thought, gnawing on her food before ripping another chunk off and swallowing. She hadn't ever been able to figure traps out, so she'd stopped trying. She never knew they could kill humans. It would've been a useful skill ta have! On his last sentence, she gave him a smirk and looked at Bluu before turning back to him with her chest puffing out. "Well then! It appears you perhaps have a chance at befriendin' Bluu!" The rabbit leg she had was already half-eaten, so she used her paws to grip the showing bone and keep it still before leaning back down and ripping another chunk off to munch on. Then, a sudden serious expression on Frost's face made her look up at him, her ears perked up so he knew she was listening. She paused afterwards, her eyebrows furrowed as she tried to remember what happened on the walk here. I don't remember anythin'... Maybe a leaf I stepped on was one of his traps..? After a moment, she shook her head. "I don't think so..." Oh dear, now she was paranoid that she messed up one of his traps.

~

Zera had just finished eating the rabbit's leg when Frost began to speak again, suggesting that they should move. Which to her, was a great decision, as she's always loved walking, running, and pouncing, so hopefully she could get a few surprise pounces on her tired big sister without losing her ears. Sitting up, she stretched her legs, which were aching due to the lack of running in the past few minutes. Angling her eyes at Frost, she whispered, "Don't tell her it was me who did this!" Then, she prodded Bluu's side before leapimg away into a nearby bush as the fox stirred. The beginning groan of the blue fox was always the one she'd recognized as the, "who did that?" moan. Then, the fox swiftly sat up, growling, not even paying an ounce of attention to Frost as her ears swiveled in Zera's direction with another growl. Then, the lighter gray fox popped up out of the bush, prancing out towards Frost and grinning as he asked about climbing. "Like climbin'? I love climbin'!" She yelped and launched herself into a tree before jumping to another. "I used ta do it a lot!" She cackled before climbing down and walking back up to them, a smirk on her face. "Lead the way, Frost! Though, I can't promise I won't dash ahead of you!

Makena sighed as a strong wind pushed through her fur. After talking with Frost she went hunting but wandered to far and got caught by the humans. It took her till last night to free herself. And now she was very close to her precious Muli who was probably worried sick. She prayed he hadn't left the den, which would make it alot easier on her part. But if he had, Kena wouldn't rest until she found him. Though...he probably couldn't have gone far with that paw. Makena whined as she thought back to Muli's crushed paw and how he got caught in a trap. Why did he have to run away... Just then the vixen finally reached the den. Makena crawled through the tunnel before finally reaching the inside. Her day immediately brightened when she saw Muli. She ran to him before burying her head into his fur. "Im so sorry." She mumbled as tears started to roll onto her fluffy cheeks. The truth was, Kena had missed Muli alot. And she was overjoyed to now be back in his presence.