Tithe

He had pulled the doe quietly and with all the strength he could. Together they made comparatively quick work of the travel. Once the howl chorused through air, Tithe’s dark grey ears perked at the noise and he dropped the deer’s head at Sleekwing’s glance. Watching the older wolf break into his joy and bark the triumph cracked through to the younger one. He could not help but smile at the victory, his maw cracking into a grin. Even his tail joined the action and unconsciously waved in the infectious excitement. He did not know the pack, nor the wolfess that led them, but the happiness in the loyalty Sleekwing showed her warmed his young and wounded heart. He slowly started to think about what a life might be in the ranks of a pack worth fighting for. Once again his companion offered him praise for his skills. The wolf lowered his head, almost abashed but in thanks nontheless.

”I will be sure to offer my respect to such a leader.” He replied, his strong voice soft, distance in his afterthoughts. “And I will… think about your words.” It truly would be an honor and a blessing to be a part of such a pack. The largest pack in the land. He could stand beside them. Fight with them. Pledge his loyalty to a liege who deserved it. He could reclaim what had been taken from him. But his mother’s voice continued to echo in his mind. Maddening and constant. ‘I only give birth to kings.’

Once again following the other’s lead, Tithe grabbed the doe again and continued their trek. As the entered the pack territory the scents of all the wolves bombarded his senses. The sounds and smells and energy of the pack excited him and lit the fire that he had feared had gone out. He could feel his heart quicken with excitement, but his breath come short with fear. Beside Sleekwing he placed the carcass in front of the Alphess and her seconds before retreating behind and beside their packmate.

”A pleasure, Lady Daenerys. I heard compliments on a victory were in order.” He bowed his head respectfully to her. Young, lonely, and shy did not mean he was not without his manners or his charm. His respects given, the young man stepped further away when Sleekwing did, and observed the pack from the outskirts. He could see they were close despite their numbers. His heart longed for that feelings, the desire to feel a part of a whole.

A deep sigh moved from his lips. Though he had been invited to stay, he felt the need to calm himself before he agreed to doing so. Padding over to Sleekwing, he looked down at the older man.

”Thank you, for everything. I hope to see you again soon, my friend.” The words felt weird on his tongue. He enjoyed them. As he padded away the grin that had poked through earlier began to spread again. By the time he crossed the border he was allowing himself to smile completely. If they were sincere, if they did want him, he was excited to possibly find a home.