Nootau’s focus didn’t waver from the alpha female, but his ears registered the approached of a wolf he had yet to meet. He only turned his head when he caught the scent of Alcide. He watched the interaction between the russet-furred boy that was his age, and the old leader. He recognized the bond of father and son easily. They didn’t look related, but genetics could be unpredictable. Nootau nodded to Alcide as he passed him to his mate. Having others here to care for the wounded wolf was relieving, and Nootau relaxed down to a seated position. He waved his tail at Moonglow’s kindly acceptance of him.

He turned an alarmed gaze towards the black masked female that stumbled to them. She was badly wounded as well and the scent of blood was thick on her. Nootau made to offer help to her as well, but Moonglow took charge in that moment after the whispering words of the wolf that had challenged her. They were friends. Nootau tilted his head, admiring the black masked wolf a moment. They must have shared a strong bond if the Snowshoe had felt comfortable enough to challenge Moonglow for her position and also to feel like she could return to stay in the way. Nootau let a smile grin creep onto his features. Tragic at the pack may feel, Nootau found that it was moments like these that secured life long bonds.

Nootau followed Moonglow’s gaze to the russet-furred wolf. Nootau marked his name, Taliesin, to memory. On a different day, he’d like to meet the other young adult. It was relieving, actually, to know that he wasn’t the only younger wolf around. Nootau had only interacted with the senior wolves of Spirane, and though he liked them, he did want so peers. He wanted to see Flicka again, too! Where was she?! And Godric too. It seemed many faces were missing from the pack meeting.

Nootau leaped to his feet when he was addressed, eager to help. He nodded and trotted up to the wolf collapsed in the snow. He lay down next to her to offer his side for her to lean against as he told her with a hint of humor, “Promise I won’t drop you.”

It was then that Niviaq found her way to the gathering. Nootau gave her a sweet smile, for she was the only wolf at the gathering he was friends with. His smile broadened at her pleasure of seeing that he’d stayed. At her request he piped up, “Yes ma’m.” He then return his gaze to Snowshoe and pressed a comforting nose quickly behind her ear. He said, “Guess you don’t have to worry because Niviaq will treat you right here.” He waved a tail at Snowshoe to show her his goodwill and then he stood and settled his eyes on Moonglow, prepared to follow her to her den and help her with whatever she needed him to do.