Getting into the Routine (Open)

[Audas]

The Shydar lay bland and colourless, the flowers had vanished, leaving just grassy fields and a few hardy trees as Canrus settled into the middle of winter, a gentle wind blew across the meadow, bringing colder air into the region. Nevertheless, Canrus still showed some beauty and life, despite the harsh period of the year. The sun had descended reasonably low towards the horizon, and began to give off the characteristic orange glow as the day slowly faded into night.

A decently sized hare moved through the meadow at a steady pace as it passed through the area, but it gradually slowed to a stop in a small section of the meadow, a group of small trees stood silent and it sat down on the cold ground.

In a bush not very far from the hare, a male grey wolf was quietly watching, completely still and positioned for an attack on the prey. To be called a grey wolf would lead to confusion, as this wolf possessed a coat that was mostly a mix of browns, possessing light brown eyes that were locked onto his target. The hare remained still for a moment longer, then turned its head in the opposite direction, not having seen the wolf hiding and waiting.

Seizing the chance, Audas leapt forward, a quick, sudden movement intended to bring him on top of his target. The hare, now perfectly aware, began the process of attempting to get away from the hunter, it it was too slow, and the brown furred wolf landed right on top of it, lowering his head towards the struggling prey, Audas cleanly bit into the rear of its neck with a firm force. The hare's legs kicked out for a moment as they tensed, then slowly relaxed, now that the hare had it's spinal cord broken and quite clearly dead.

Audas felt a familiar sense of pride as he released his grip on the hare's neck and rose up to his full height, he had found a trail that several hares had followed on their way to one of the few shallow pools scattered across the Shydar, and had been lying in wait for a full hour to wait for one hare to use the trail back, thankfully, his patience had been rewarded.

Taking a firm grip on the hare's body with his jaws, Audas walked slowly over to one of the few trees nearby, clear of leaves but nevertheless proud, and lay down next to it, as he begun working on eating his kill. After a few weeks recovering on Ina'mos from an injury he had obtained in a fight with an enormous tundra wolf, Audas had returned to the mainland, finally deciding to settle down in Canrus, at the very least for now. He knew he had no chance of returning to his native North America, so he thought he might as well get himself comfortable in what ever territory he could get into.

As he remembered the fight with the tundra wolf, his shoulder gave a very small, brief ache, the site of where the enormous wolf's jaws had clamped down into his flesh. Audas raised his head from the kill in order to look at the sun closing in on the horizon, it's orange glow casting long shadows across the land. Audas closed his eyes and let himself indulge in the little heat the orange ball could give as the gentle breeze ruffled his coat slightly.

His thoughts then moved onto Nymph, the little arctic wolf he had met on his first night on Anikira, a wolf who had shown much compassion to the troubled grey wolf and had helped to tend to his wounds. Without her, Audas might have not fully recovered from the injury. A wolf that for the first time in a long time, he could trust. Trust was a rare commodity.

Audas had been paranoid of course, not long after the attack, he began to believe there was something bigger going on, but as time passed, he reluctantly let go, it was too late to track the tundra wolf down and the paranoia wasn't helping him recover. He dismissed his theories as time passed.

Of course, his past continued to haunt him, mostly nightmares now he had moved on his own, at least for now, but in return, newer, far more harsher nightmares plagued him.

The brown furred male quietly lowered his head, breathing out slowly in grief, and continued to feed, he just had to keep going, move on, but that was becoming an impossibility. He considered telling someone, about his past in North America completely, however, the only person he could trust now was Nymph, and whilst she knew a very basic amount of detail, she didn't need to know the full story. No one did.

Anikira was nevertheless a big place, and it would come to no surprise to meet potential new individuals, and he had to be prepared for who they might be...

'Just have to keep going'

Word Count: 838
Notes: That has felt like my best post, I have to admit I feel rather chuffed with it, this thread is canon unlike the Seeking Truth one I deleted due to inaccuracies. Anyway, the thread is completely open.

[Deleted]

Having resettled into his role as Beta in Airila, and reconnecting with his old pack, Huxleyi was at ease. He felt as if he belonged, and the familiarity of his present life was something he would not trade for the world. As a treat he had decided he would hunt outside the borders of Shyia, as he had spent countless days now patrolling the border. There were so many new faces, and keeping track of them all was beginning to get difficult. The larger numbers were also putting his companion, Isna, on edge as well. The little white and grey gull was in essence food, but she was determined to stick around Huxleyi until she repaid her debt to him. the large brown and white wolf had told her she was free to go, especially after she had fed him while he was stranded in the mountains. Injury had left him unable to get home, and for an entire season he was cut off from his pack. God... he wondered what grief he had caused them; he shuddered to think.

Peering up at the sky he could just pick out the triangular shape of Isna, her bright red feet a blaze against her ivory belly. Huxleyi would deny that he had grown very fond of the kittiwake, and if push came to shove he would probably defend her to the point of violence. Just because she was a small creature, one that would make a meal less filling than a hare, didn't mean she wasn't still a life to be treasured. And maybe he had grown to consider her a true friend, and in his mind a member of Airila. He wasn't sure what Toiro would think of that. In the months that he had known the gull, Huxleyi had been able to sample ocean fish that he would never have even known existed if it weren't for Isna. The thought of the aquatic creatures made him begin to salivate. He really had grown to love fish.

The Beta's thoughts were interrupted by a kaw from above: Isna had spotted another wolf. Testing the air, nares taking in the breeze, Huxleyi realized he was approaching upwind - this other wolf probably already knew he was coming. A little on edge he wondered if he should continue onwards, or change course to avoid the other canid, after all he didn't know whether or not this encounter would be friendly or not. He would take a chance. Picking up his pace, he took care to be as conspicuous as possible, not wanting to catch anyone off guard. As he neared his nose picked up the freshly killed hare first, followed by the other males scent. Well at least this wolf wouldn't be hungry, and hopefully Huxleyi wouldn't be taken as a scavenger come to chase the other off his kill. Quite the contrary really; he was more than happy to give the other wolf as much space as he wanted to hunt. No point in arguing over it as Huxleyi had an entire pack land to hunt on, and this really was just an outing for him. Once he was in sight he gave a low bark, giving the final alert that he was present.

Words: 542
Muse: Pretty decent.
Tags: Audas
Notes: Hope these two can be buddies!

[Audas]

As Audas considered his next move as he continued to feed, the breeze gradually changing direction as he did so, however, his next move, remained the same. Move on through Canrus, catch another hare, move on. The same sequence of events repeating itself for the lonely grey wolf. 'Lonely...', Audas paused as pondered about this, he was lonely, though he had never put much thought into it. Now, Audas felt the sudden urge to talk to someone, anyone, but the question was who?

'Nymph'

Audas looked back at the dipping, glowing ball of light that was the sun, 'Yes...', Audas thought, 'I will look for Nymph, it may take a few days but she lives here... She shouldn't be that hard to find, either in Canrus or Tiayr.' The brown furred male felt an unusual sense of relief flow over him and he briefly smiled, he had a better plan than he already had, and it would make a... nice change from this routine.

Then came a loud kaw, shattering the sound of the gentle breeze, the loner, stunned, quickly turned his head round in multiple directions in search of the source, eyes darted the surrounding meadow, 'Wait, look up!', Audas snapped his gaze upwards, and scanned the sky. Initially, nothing appeared to him, then he saw it, a briefly glimpse of red and ivory, some kind of bird. Surely it wouldn't dare challenge him for the...

Then he smelt it, turning around to the source, tasting the air though his nose, a very quiet, and short growl escaped the male's mouth.

'Wolf...', Audas realised, 'Damn it, the bird will lead him right to me if it keeps kawing!' There was a possibility that may not be the case, but he wasn't taking chances.

He had no desire for a fight, so he shifted the half eaten hare carcass into the bush next to him, out of sight, though he knew it was very poor protection from any wolf's sense of smell. Audas rose himself to his full height, but posturing himself in a relaxed manner, despite his instincts screaming at him to prepare for another fight. He would try and communicate to this wolf, and his posture expressed some confidence. His expression neutral.

Then the approaching wolf came into view, a grey wolf, with the more general mix of colour more typical of a grey wolf over Audas' brown dominated coat with the few greys and whites present, however, this wolf was smaller in height, though not by much, and was heavier looking. The wolf gave a low bark, confirming his presence.

'Lets get down with it then'

Audas spoke with a controlled, neutral voice, but one that showed confidence as well, just to show he wasn't afraid. 'Who are you? How did you find me?', straight to the point, the words pasted quickly across towards the other grey wolf, and Audas prepared for a response.

Word Count: 487
Notes: Looking forward to this!

[Deleted]

Huxleyi stopped short of where he had intended. The wolf before him seemed... prickly. His words snapped forth, and were almost accusatory to the Beta, as if he had been actively seeking the brute out. He had to resist the urge to chuckle - as if he would actively go searching for a rogue in a place where his rank held no sway. He didn't wait long to reply, only a moment to set his own stance, equally as neutral, though perhaps with an air of confidence much more real than the one shown to him by the brown male. "I'm Huxleyi, I belong to the Airila pack." He paused, wondering how to explain the next part of the questions. He'd known about this male using Isna, who's kaws and screeches had taken on meaning to him, as foreign as they were. "I used that bird to locate you." He finally said, though did not signal for Isna to come down, instead letting her wheel above them, turning circles in wait.

Relaxing a bit he gave a soft smile, "I'm not here for your dinner if that's what you're worried about." He stated, motioning to the cached rabbit hidden in the brush. While not visually conspicuous, the smell permeated the air around them making the location of the half eaten hare obvious. In truth Huxleyi wasn't too keen on hare these days as it had been a staple since their last pack hunt, and with the movement of caribou into Airila realms he had become picky. Still though, he wouldn't turn down a good fish - if only he was better at catching them. The river was fine, but out in the ocean surf it was near impossible to snag anything in the tide.

He wondered suddenly at the way this wolf conducted himself, as if every strange wolf was a threat. Huxleyi could remember days when he was like that, seeing no good in others, only their tendencies towards selfishness. The Captain and his brutish pack had sucked all the light out of Huxleyi's world, and with it any optimism for life or new beginnings. Yet here he was, a changed wolf with a new pack that held loyalty and fairness as tenants. Everyone around him was kind, and often selfless - even the kittiwake Isna sought to fulfill her debt of life, even though she could fly away at any time. Perhaps this wolf had suffered the same as he, dark wolves showing no mercy or thought to the feelings, cares or emotions of others. Such seemed to be the norm in some places, though in Airila such ideals were not welcome.

Words: 441
Muse: Decent
Tags: @audas
Notes: For some reason my posts with Huxleyi always seem to include food in them. I need to stop eating dinner while I type. xD

[Audas]

Audas' words almost seemed to have formed a solid wall of resistance, as the approaching wolf stopped in his tracks at the brown furred male's voice. Initially, Audas felt slightly shamed, for all he knew, this wolf could have just been another friendly individual, but for all that has happened recently, Audas chose not to take chances. However, the wolf rose into his own stance, expressing the same neutrality that Audas' own stance showed, and spoke for the first time in reply, with confidence equal to, if not greater than brown furred wolf, "I am Huxleyi, I belong to the Airila pack."

It took an enormous amount of will to prevent Audas from snarling nevertheless, he felt himself stiffen, a loner Audas could easily cope with, but a pack wolf? Images of his own pack... The one he was born to, both alive and dead flashed across his vision, he could not bring himself to trust this wolf, he could just be as bad as the wolves from Xaiver's war pack.

When he first met Kismet and Nymph that first night, Audas was caught off guard, had no idea where he was, and needed answers, so even though he was reluctant at the time, he had to take their word as the truth, and thankfully, that had worked out and gained them his trust, Nymph in particular... especially Nymph.

But this time... Audas was more ready for this wolf, Huxleyi, and was not prepared to take any chances this time. Huxleyi soon replied to his second question however, 'I used that bird to locate you', Audas glanced upwards towards the bird that he saw before, and noticed it was now circling above the two wolves, was that bird assisting the pack wolf? Audas had to ponder it would be a curious arrangement.

Huxleyi spoke once more, interrupting the brown furred wolf's thoughts, the former smiled at the latter, "I'm not here for your dinner if that's what you're worried about.", shortly followed by a motion to the bush where Audas had crudely hid it.

How to respond was the question now, Audas opened his mouth, began to speak out the question, 'Why should I trust your word?', but as he said the word, 'trust', a rogue thought broke free into his mind, preventing him from finishing the question, and now, he could visualise Nymph, both she and Kismet could have caused harm to the grey wolf, yet they didn't. Audas was wanting to tough out his injury on his own, yet Nymph persisted, and tended to the wound. Audas clamped his gaping mouth shut and closed his eyes, keeping his ears pricked for movement.

'What would Nymph do in my place? What would they all do?'

And now it was not Nymph before his eyes, but it was his father, Everest, his well balanced huntsman's form with a mix of grey and brown fur and brown eyes that looked down upon him, almost as if Audas was the mere child he was back then.

'Hunting has one thing in common with life, it's about choice and chance,' he would say, 'You can choose to pursue an deer just as you can choose to admit to love someone, but there is always a chance that outcome will be different, and often it's down to the choices you make, even if you think luck or fate has a lot to do with it.'

Everest faded out of his mind, and Audas pondered once more, 'What would they do, what choice would Nymph, Kismet, Everest... would anyone for that matter make?'

Audas finally sighed deeply and opened his eyes and inspected the grey wolf, Huxleyi, before him, and made his choice.

Against all his instincts, Audas relaxed, and sat down, and spoke his words, in a less forceful manner and with a completely different message.

'My apologies, I'm Audacity, though you can call me Audas, I am a relative newcomer to this continent. I have met only four wolves so far, the first two I met on my arrival here I will call good beings, the third had nearly killed me and one of those companions who I first met, you are the fourth Huxleyi.' Audas nodded his head towards the pack member, "I am finding that trust is a rare commodity, so why should I trust you to keep your word?'

Audas tilted his head to one side, awaiting the response, the new series of words felt foreign to the grey wolf, but they were more respectful to the pack wolf whilst asking the original question.

Maybe he had turned the tables more into his favour because of that choice.

Word Count: 778
Notes: Lol about the food, looking forward to your reply!

[Deleted]

Huxleyi nodded slowly at the statement made by Audas, his visage taking grave look for a moment. Indeed trust was hard to find among the wolves of the wilds. It was perhaps cruel to state that rogue wolves were uncivilized and selfish, but such a lifestyle was often the only way to get by. Live for your self by your self; no cost too great. Huxleyi, though, had been lucky: his life with Airila was a peaceful one, and he was yet to find a wolf he couldn't trust at least a little within the borders of Shyia. Everyone seemed to understand the notion of a pack family, and that they would only survive the harshness of the north if they stuck together and worked as a team. He wondered then why such noble wolves would have trusted his word in the first place, as Audas was questioning him now. Why was he trustworthy?

"Well Audas, I suppose I would like to think I am, at a basal level, built on being trustworthy. I pride myself in loyalty to those who deserve it, and harbor no ill will towards someone, or something just because it is foreign." He looked back up towards the still circling form of Isna, though she had come considerably lower, her wings outstretched to catch the breezes to effortlessly float. "I do not easily accept trespasses against me or those I care about, but my initial support is not a difficult thing to win." He remarked inwardly at how true his statements were - he had changed so greatly over the past two years. He had friends now, wolves whose company he enjoyed and actively sought out. The old Huxleyi was a brutal, depressed creature who had no compassion or love left to give, but somehow a hidden wellspring of affection had been found. His gaze stayed rather fixed on Audas, wondering what sort of morals he kept, and whether they were different from his own.

He reclined as he pondered, his haunches relaxing slowly into the dirt, though he was still quite ready to flee if a fight was what this brute wanted. He began to muse suddenly, giving a small chuckle as he spoke. "It's odd, I was once a guarded wolf, keeping my business locked tight, but I've found in my past years on this island that friends are much easier to find than enemies. And I have more in common with every wolf I meet than I would have ever assumed." He cast his gaze down for a moment, feeling a bit of a fool, though there was no one to judge him whose opinion truly mattered, so he let himself look back up at Audas, eyes candid.

Words: 455
Muse: Pretty good!
Tags: Audas

[Audas]

The brown furred male pondered what was going on in Huxleyi's mind as he quietly nodded at Audas' statement, did he see him as a potential threat? A untrustful, cold individual? Or simply just another loner trying to make his way through life? Audas couldn't help but believe that every event that occurred left more questions to be answered, and even when one question did get answered, more were left in its place. What Huxleyi thinking the same thing?

Finally, the pack wolf replied, "Well Audas, I suppose I would like to think I am, at a basal level, built on being trustworthy. I pride myself in loyalty to those who deserve it, and harbor no ill will towards someone, or something just because it is foreign.", as Huxleyi looked up towards the sky, Audas was torn, the more colder part of him thought this to just be conventional words, whilst the troubled but compassionate part believed this to likely be the truth. When the pack wolf explained his views on trespassing and support, Audas had to agree, at the very least on the views of not accepting any threat or danger to themselves.

Despite looking fairly relaxed, Audas was only just fighting off his conventional instincts in such a scenario, and deep down he felt uncomfortable, but that was soon about to change. He heard the wolf opposite from him chuckle, who was now reclined backward, "It's odd, I was once a guarded wolf, keeping my business locked tight, but I've found in my past years on this island that friends are much easier to find than enemies. And I have more in common with every wolf I meet than I would have ever assumed."

Audas himself now was pondering, and for once, was not fragmented in his opinion, what did Huxleyi suffer that got him to that state? He sounded like he was very similar to Audas himself, only unlike the brown furred male, the pack wolf had gotten over it. He soon remembered a short series of words that Nymph had said to him back at the caverns, something about being alike but different. The statement initially confused him, but the more time had passed, the more he felt like he understood it, Kismet, Huxleyi, Nymph and himself all possessed completely different personalities and appearances, but the one thing that linked them together was the past, Audas, like Nymph, had lone survivors of their litters, though the details in Nymph case were scarce. Like Huxleyi, both seemed like very similar wolves in the past, though now they behaved differently. And Kismet... well... Both Audas and the unusually coloured wolf came from different continents all together.

The brown furred male finally decided to trust the pack wolf.

"We are similar, but different" confessed the male, just being both evasive and blunt at he same time, like a glancing blow, Audas looked the wolf over one final time, then reached down to pick up the dead hare, before rising to walk a few steps closer, and lowering the body to the ground, "Do you want some?", was all that he could ask initially, but soon, he thought of a new angle to talk about, "You mentioned something about loyalty and no ill feelings, it seems like quite the creed.", in many ways, he respected it, and was curious to know what he might find out.

Word Count: 566
Tags: @huxleyi

[Deleted]

He peered at the hare and shook his head, "No, I can get food back home, but thank you." The sudden kind gesture caught him off guard a bit, Audas had seemed so closed before and now he was offering to share a meal. Interesting. Then the brown wolf mentioned Huxleyi's 'creed' and he gave a little smile. Was it really a creed? Maybe it was, but Huxleyi considered it simply his life and the way he chose to present himself. "It's just sort of the way I've found to live most peacefully. I've seen enough violence in my life to go looking for it, and have found that it is impossible to foster friendship and love when violence is the basis for life." He peered down at his paws for a moment then glanced again upwards at the descending form of Isna - she appeared to be coming in to land. As she swooped in and landed beside the grey wolf, he smiled at her then looked to Audas.

"I've become a compassionate wolf as I've aged, and even the smaller creatures of the world have proven wonderful companions." Isna gave a happy little squawk and ruffled her feathers, a fond look crossing her avian face as she looked up at Huxleyi. The big wolf smiled at her, still a bit amazed that she had continued to hang around him. In his last pack he had had no friends, only enemies by the end - his family scattered to the wind and broken. He had an inkling that Audas had a similar past, or at least one filled with reasons not to trust. It was hard to change, and get over the fact that some wolves truly were dark and selfish, but Huxleyi had found that his life was much more fulfilling now that he tried to help and understand others.

Perhaps Audas just needed someone to be kind to him, to invite him to belong. "You know, the pack I belong to, Airila, is a lovely place to live, and everyone is kind. We're a family." He let another smile pass over him, "You're welcome to come back with me and try living with myself and the other wolves of Airila." He hoped he wasn't being too forward, but sometimes baring all was the best way to get ahead.

Words: 389
Muse: Decent.
Notes: Sorry for the tardy response - I have been busy studying!

[Audas]

Huxleyi declined the brown furred male's offer for food, but thanked him nevertheless. It didn't surprise Audas that much, though it could have gone either way in terms of response. When Audas commented on the other male's values or 'creed', Huxleyi gave a small smile back, and the former wondered what cogs were turning in the latter's mind.

Soon, the pack wolf replied, "It's just sort of the way I've found to live most peacefully. I've seen enough violence in my life to go looking for it, and have found that it is impossible to foster friendship and love when violence is the basis for life." As the male looked down at his paws and upwards again, Audas thought back for a moment, both death and betrayal had hardened him into the wolf he was now, and he struggled to move on. He couldn't help but wonder how Huxleyi managed to do that.

His train of thought was interrupted when a small bird came down to land next the pack wolf, whom smiled at the little bird before turning back towards Audas. It must have been Huxleyi's companion. "I've become a compassionate wolf as I've aged, and even the smaller creatures of the world have proven wonderful companions." The bird gave a rather happy sounding squawk as if taking it as a compliment, and as the pack wolf turned to smile at the bird, Audas gave off a surprised look, he had never been near birds, at least for decent periods of time, and having one this close and at ease with two massive wolves impressed him.

The thought of a companion reminded the brown furred male of Nymph, they were companions for a while after they first met, could they be companions still? He honestly had no idea.

Then Huxleyi dropped off a bombshell of an offer, "You know, the pack I belong to, Airila, is a lovely place to live, and everyone is kind. We're a family." The pack wolf gave a smile, "You're welcome to come back with me and try living with myself and the other wolves of Airila."

He was torn. Audas knew deep down that being a part of a pack was far better for his survival and well being. But he had lost family... twice... and he wasn't certain if he could be part of a family again. He had failed...

Then Nymph came to mind again...

Audas closed his eyes and gave a quiet sigh of thought, "While that is a welcome offer Huxleyi, I'm not the best individual for pack life, as you have likely noticed." Audas opened his eyes again, focusing on the pack wolf, "That being said... Airila sounds like a fair, honest pack, and one of the wolves I have met has even gone as far to say Airila is the best pack on the island. He also holds your alpha... Toiro I think... in high esteem." Audas smiled, a small, but amused smile, "Besides, Shyia is proberly the closest thing to my native homeland, an ocean away." The smile vanished. "If you are willing to keep your offer open, I shall consider it, I was hoping to find someone soon anyway, perhaps they might join aswell."

Finally, Audas turned to the little bird, tilting his head, and decided to give talking a go, "My apologies if I was nudging you out of the conversation, regardless, what is your name or title?"

Audas looked at both beings generally, wondering how they will respond.

Word Count: 585
OOC: No problem Hux! Keep that pack invitation in mind, I will check to see if Audas could join Airila, I'm just thinking about whenever or not Audas' romance will join with him or not. Either way, I will let you know!
Tag: @huxleyi

[Deleted]

Huzxeyi smiled at Audas as he considered the offer placed before him. His explanation was honest - a quality the Beta wolf admired greatly. Having lived as a rogue after being brutalized and abandoned by tyranny, Huxleyi understood the reservations the lone wolf before him might have. How could he trust again? How could he find friendship, or family or love again? Hux had no idea what this wolf had gone through, but more often than not even the most diverse histories brought about the same conclusions.

"I would be happy to remember you if the time comes that you are looking for a home. Your friend would be welcome too." He smiled and then looked down at Isna, who was now being addressed. The little white bird gave an approving ruffle of her feathers, her head bobbing before she spoke. "I'm Isna. Huxleyi here saved me from death once. I am indebted to him." Huxleyi smiled and shook his head - the large wolf considered any debt that the bird may owe filled. She had fed him during their entrapment in the mountain. But the bird still felt a need to stay with him. Huxleyi had been wondering as of late whether or not the bird had simply grown comfortable with him, as he had with her.

Huxleyi then let his attention draw to the setting sun - he would need to get home soon. The Beta of a pack couldn't be away too long - it was his responsibility to be there for them should they need him. He wondered if Audas would indeed come wandering through their borders some time soon. Perhaps it was a mate he was bringing? That would most definitely be welcome: Airila could use some young faces. He wondered if he should ask? He wouldn't take the chance. Instead he rose, giving a smile. "I should be heading back soon, and I wouldn't want to keep you from meeting your friend." Isna took this as a cue to take flight, and with a nod in parting to Audas she flew up into the air, letting the breezes lift her feathered body into the air. "I will remember you Audas, and hope to see you in Airila soon." He paused for a moment, waiting to see if the other wolf had any questions, or would choose to simply let Huxleyi leave.

Words: 393
Muse: meh.
Notes: Sorry again for the slow response. I figured we should wrap this one up.

[Audas]

The grey wolf pondered how the pack wolf would respond to the explanation, it could be a nod of agreement, a sigh of grudging respect or a snarl of aggression. Obviously, Audas' main assumption of how Huxleyi would respond held true.

The pack wolf smiled at Audas in reply, and the brown furred loner wondered once more on what cogs and wheels were turning within the other wolf's mind, but soon, Huxleyi spoke his reply, "I would be happy to remember you if the time comes that you are looking for a home. Your friend would be welcome too." Audas felt a sense of relief, he had kept the door unlocked, now if he wanted to, he could open it. Nevertheless, the loner intended to wait, to decide if it was a wise idea to join Airilla. 'Hell, of course it would be better to join a pack, but would I cope?', thought the male, as much of the obvious truth came before him. He had to decide which road he could survive on, the lonely road or the more... social road...

Soon enough after Huxleyi finished his statement, he smiled and turned towards the bird next to him, who soon enough replied to Audas' own question. "I'm Isna. Huxleyi here saved me from death once. I am indebted to him.", head bobbing as she spoke and seemingly earning another smile from Huxleyi. Audas wondered if Huxleyi considered otherwise about the debt, but the brown furred male would not get involved in such an arrangement, if one did exist.

Huxleyi then had a look at the setting sun, as if wondering what he should do next, before rising to his feet and giving again another smile, "I should be heading back soon, and I wouldn't want to keep you from meeting your friend.", explained the pack wolf, and as he finished, Isna gave a nod to Audas, whom replied with his own nod as the bird lifted herself into the air. "I will remember you Audas, and hope to see you in Airila soon.", finished Huxleyi.

Audas gave another respectful nod, "And I as well, Huxleyi." stated the brown furred wolf, who hesitated for a brief moment, before finally adding, "Safe Journey to You". Audas lowered his head to recover the remains of the rabbit, and proceeded to return to the tree where he sat not to long ago. His plan was to eat some more of the rabbit, then proceed towards the river a short distance if possible before night had to tight a hold on the world.

Perhaps someday he will join Airilla... but if he was to do that, he would have to build up the courage to do so... maybe Nymph might help him in that regard.

Word Count: 461
OOC: No problem Hux, we can wrap it up.
Tag: @huxleyi