It should have been no surprise that Serris took a small vacation. Since becoming Alpha of this pack, he had been restless in his efforts to strengthen the family which he had inherited from Volbeat. That time seemed so long ago... But there were many other things plaguing his mind that drove him to find brief solitude outside the borders. Afterall, the pack would be fine for a while without him, and he could consider this a bit of a test as well. How would his soldiers fare without him? Would they simply cease to function, cease to care, and lay around until his returning presence commanded them to their feet? Or would they prosper on his land, accept any newcomers and flourish in their relations? He could not tell, although it was obvious for which scenario he hoped. But what of his motivations?
Serris wandered until he found a delightful little stream, tucked into the folds of the forest, which led to a quaint little pond. During the day he would reside by the river, sometimes in, sometimes out, and at night he would wade into the depths of the pond and let that crisp ebony sky fly him over the earth until his wings ached. And in those times he thought. Thought about Alleria and the recent events with her, his feelings and her feelings, what the next step should be to further what they had. A relationship? A partnership? Something more scandalous? He was poorly versed in these matters, and his musings would yield no conclusions. And then he thought about his pack, how he desperately needed to define ranks and stop neglecting his sole power. Although he was sure that most wouldn’t see it that way. Strong was the trust and strong was the respect he had with his pack, yet foolish the minds at both ends. And what of the hunt he was trying to organize? Who would come? How would he execute it? All these thoughts consumed his time, weighing his skull with swirling thoughts and filling his belly with false satisfaction. Now it was some time later and time to return. The moon, once full at the start of his retreat, now hid a quarter of her face behind that misty charcoal veil. Yes, he would be missed.
But as Serris rose to start the journey back he suddenly felt the pain in his stomach and realized he had eaten nothing while on his little vacation. Despite, a small smile came to his kissers, the dark brute chuckling to himself. He set off, compacted limps now popping open and pushing forward with all the vitality of life. His lean form shot like an arrow though the trees, barely missing each trunk in search of one that would bring the most satisfaction when struck. And where else could this ideal be but on the territory he claimed with his blood and sealed with his soul. The journey was not long. Soon the he-beast was standing on the border, scenting the land carefully before entering. He did not mistrust his warriors; no, he was simply wary like any mindful creature, this need for safety heightened by his hunger. And what did he find but Aindreas’ scent laid over the line not once or twice, but too many times count. Was he that crazy about protecting the pack? Although inside Serris was happy and ultimately proud of the boy for taking his responsibilities so seriously. Despite, they would still need to have a talk about this. Why, it seemed as if this pack belong to the lad himself, with so much of his stench lingering around.
Rubbing against the nearest tree, Serris intended to remark the borders with his own musk before setting out to announce his intentions, but movement caught his eye and he instantly sank to the ground, fur bristling as azure portals scanned the scene. It was unwise to charge right into the situation. If he had been full, maybe... but his stomach still groaned and he was not feeling up to a fight. Rising slowly, but still hidden, the regal found it to be a dark brute like himself, a build of muscle hanging on his frame rather than the sleek speed that shaped his own. He was pacing, it seemed, a hesitant gait in his step, as if he was using every stride to convince himself to stay. A challenger? No, Serris recognized this loner as he knew himself so long ago; single upon the barren land, confident in his own strength, making a dwelling for himself within his own mind, yet hopelessly empty inside. And suddenly Serris saw himself at the borders, pacing, waiting for the arrival of his fate. The true Serris strode forward, banner rising in confidence and ranking, a sly grin tightening his features, although there hung there nostalgia as well, like dew on his eyelashes.
“Is this impatience a common trait of yours, or do you simply distrust my haste?” He spoke the words boldly upon entering the scene, pads carrying him over the border and to a spot directly opposite from the center of this brute’s pendulum. He could have some fun with this newcomer, and with any luck with newcomer would have some fun back.
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