 It is not anger that makes her eye him in such wariness, merely the need to be constantly vigilant. There were things in her past that were to always remain there so long as she kept a wary eye on the world in an effort to prevent a repeat of it. Aithne was not a wolf prone to fury like some of the marsh. If Kneph was of such an impression than he might find that after some time spent in the bogs - if he were so lucky as to meet the others - he might change his opinion of her. That he might realize how relaxed, in a sense, she was in comparison to them. There were a few, though, who might make her seem uptight still. Denali was of a gentle bred nature. Even Raven had a kind of silent friendliness to her. It was no telling how this would all play out, whether he would come or whether he would stay. She would make known to him that her offer was an invitation as a guest, that he would not be required to stay nor would she force him to. What would a pack be if it consisted wholly of those who did not wish to be there? There were a few who could be persuaded with stealth. Kneph did not seem like one of them. She watches him for any movement he might make to affirm or disagree with the unspoken question. Yet Kneph doesn't seem to know what he wants or just isn't saying. Not that he could say much, she thinks, and inwardly she is amused for a moment at her own wit - as dull as it may be. There is a kind of comfort in the companionship of one who is silent. So different than some males who would boast and brag with booming voices and flashing eyes as if they said it loud enough, drowned out the world, it would make it so. "Perhaps I shall just call you Phantom, until another time?" And a phantom he is like, with his demons that she cannot see and with his unassuming nature. Everything about him is ephemeral and she cannot guess one way or another what he might choose. Her own eyes lift from his for a moment to survey the sky and the shadows that begin to lengthen beneath the scraggly trees of the marshes. Soon it would be time to be home with a swollen belly and a cozy den. The lullaby of splashing water, hissing gators, and bullfrogs would send her off to sleep, but for now it is up to the male where to go. She shifts her weight to the side as she brings her gaze back down to him, trying to read his eyes, to know his thoughts. "It will be winter soon, Phantom, and I'm sure you've taken care of yourself in the cold before but it is much easier in a pack. The bogs offer ample food, if you are so inclined, and even if you are not looking for a permanent home, coming as a guest would suit us just fine. Once you have spent some time in the moors you may come to like it. There are, of course, some who might not be quite as friendly as myself," she jests with a sudden grin to him and a tightening of her eyes in amusement, for Aithne wasn't the sweet kind of friendly some might expect. A I T H N E Fallen for the fear and done some disappearing; bow down to the mighty _______________________ |