Small drips of blood left a trail in the snow behind him as Sleekwing jogged back towards the mountain. Hanging limply from his jaws was what was left of a snow hare he had caught in the woods at the base of the mountain. The hare had been quite large, and he’d already consumed the better portion of the meat. Now he would bring the remains home with him and bury them in the floor of his den for later. His stride was long and fluid, the boy truly having grown into a man. He was a healthy beast, rarely wanting for a meal and usually able to find company when he required it. For the most part he lived a solitary life, which suited him just fine. He was a functioning member of the pack, though, and guarded the mountain with the pride that was inherent in his family. Since day dot they had ruled the mountain, stretching as far back as when it had held a different shape and gone by a different name. He was born of a family of strength and pride, and he wore it quite well.

Jogging along, his heather painted sides expanded on contracted evenly with his breathing. The young man nearly floated across the snow, but leaving distinguished paw prints and droplets of blood in his wake. As he drew closer to the boundaries of his home he did not pause, his stride did not falter. He turned then and began making his way west, towards a favored trail that easily ascended the mountain to his den site. Just before his paws made to fall into their customary path, something caught his eye. It was then that his movement hesitated and he stopped, turning towards the border once more to make sure his eyes had not been playing tricks on him.

No; there sat Hush, with another wolf tucked tightly to her side. It would be hard to mistake her for anyone else, for her coat held the most brilliant of hues. Over a year ago the two had met at the crags, discussing their troubles. He recalled upon his explanation of imprinting to her, and felt that it had lacked conviction. He knew now, what it did to the heart, how it pulled one to and fro and subjected them to feelings they might not have been all too ready to experience, but clung to none the less. Was this male that sat so near to her the one she had feared? As he walked towards the duo, he ruled the possibility out entirely. Hush had said he was a born demon, and this male was most certainly not that, Sleekwing could tell just by looking at him. The young beast had thought Hush had made her choice, and that she did not want nor need the protection of a pack. It was plain as day that the creature who sat beside her had sufficed up until this point; but what had caused that to no longer be enough? The answer did not truly matter.

A dip of his head was offered to each of them in turn as he approached, paying no heed to whether he stopped within or without the borders of the pack. Lowering his head, he gently placed the remains of the hare on the ground and nosed them towards the pair. Concern seeped into his eyes as he lifted his head and gazed upon Hush. That fire that had been so evident in her when they first met seemed somehow dulled. He did not like that in the least. “Please, indulge yourself. You look tired, Hush,” he said, offering her a playful smirk and hoping to rekindle the friendship they had found that day so long ago. Hush was of good character, and Sleekwing knew that. So the man who sat at her side could most likely be trusted just as well as she could. Turning his blue orbs upon her companion, he sized him up for a naught but a moment before he said, “Good day; I am Sleekwing. Have you come to accept my offer?” The question was spoken to both, but his eyes traced back to Hush for the answer, for it was her who he had made the offer to in the first place.