Tithe

Never would he have been bitter about sharing the morning with another wolf, even less bitter about sharing it with a stranger. Whereas some would have snarled, or in his friend’s case jumped into a frantic play, at the newcomer, Tithe simply looked over at her and smiled. Who was he to deny the right of another the peace and wonder that could come from watching the genesis of the day. Her words and presence convinced him that he was right in this morning, for she did not break the calm, but seemed to add to it.

“It is indeed, Lady.” He answered in his calm, deep, respectful tones. For a brief moment he thought that his greetings towards others had changed. No longer did he address all others as if they had ownership of him. Those right now belonged to those who truly did. His dark eyes glanced over at her, watching the gold sun light up her white fur. “The morning seems to suit you.” Finally, he inhaled, taking in her scent and blinking in surprise. It had been seasons, but both of them had walked the paths in the plains at the same time. Back in the fall, her scent had been fresher there. His head tilted slightly, she did not smell of the Asteraia pack now.

“Forgive me if I seem forward, I recognize your scent from a visit I made months ago. What ties do you have to the Asteraia, plains pack?” The memories of what had occurred between him and the wolves stirred in his mind. It would be impossible to believe that anyone could have walked into the packland without encountering the possessive creature that was Tobias, or his Alpha. But what of the rest? Her scent had been stronger there than his ever would be. He could not judge a whole by looking at only a piece. Curiosity poked him further, though he felt it would be poor form to follow it completely. “Did you meet any other than Tobias and his lady?”