"A pack can never have too many aiding in such tasks. The winter is long and we will need to ensure we are all well fed - that we are all strong." I pause then, scanning over the crowd once more, waiting to see any flicker of hesitancy. It is good to see a wolf willing to operate in multiple fields. He will, I am sure, become a great asset in time. "You are welcome here, Solitaire. Perhaps we shall enjoy the hunt together."

It is a strange thing to act so tenderly towards others. It is a skill I must learn, however. I have always sought to understand the intricate details of nuances and social behavior in order to twist it to my bidding. It is a lengthy process and one that often twists my very gut in an uncomfortable matter. There is always a prickling disdain beneath my skin, a hunger to hunt down those that are otherwise too weak for this world. At least, I do not think I feel such a hunger here, not now. Those that had been loyal to a stagnant alpha are long gone, and now, all that are left are those that will show these lands what our species are capable of.

My ears move to the direction of the borders, the sounds of another approaching resonating across the dunes. The sting returns to my scalp with such a movement, reminding me that soon, I will need to rest if but for several hours. For now, though, I must greet our guest, a scent that seems familiar enough to warrant my eyes following his dark form towards the congregation. My hackles instinctively bristle if but for a moment, composed as he inquires. It is a reasonable question, one that brings an amused grin to my face as I step forward towards him, tilting my head in order to inspect him. Hard work? How nice that he expects the others to work hard. Does he wonder if I will do the same? It is a healthy concern. It seems those with dominance often rely on it - they become gluttonous, lazy creatures content to be fed and tended to like a child. It is a good question and one I shall answer for all the others that must surely be asking such a thing within themselves.

"I expect strength and little more. We are a species driven by it and so, those that lack it must be removed. If you need another to tend to you like a whelp then seek them out elsewhere." I pause, though I do not glance between the others this time. Instead, I merely listen for the shuffling of paws or shortening of breath. If it is shocking then good, perhaps they need to understand that this world is not some tender, caring place. There are predators and there are prey. They must decide which they are. "As for me, I will bring you that. I will hunt alongside you, fight alongside you and live alongside you. I will free these lands from the past it seems to content to be trapped within. Legacy, bloodline, names. None of it matters. Together, we will remove those in pseudo-power and ensure only those that can thrive do so."