Both sets of eyes looked from the children to Tick Tock in surprise, though Tithe recovered are more quickly than his gypsy friend. His mind raced through what he had just learned and he tried to make it fit into his view of the world. It did not take much for history to remind him of things a wolf could do to one another. As the wolfess in front of him spoke, he sat quietly to mull over the words she said. There were wolves in the world who hungered for other wolf-flesh, who hunted and raped, and stole the lives of others while keeping them alive. Tithe had once sworn to put such wolves to the sword. But he could not condemn the loyalty Tick Tock spoke of that could be found in her pack. He shifted slightly with discomfort, but still had a desire to know more and explore deeper.

These wolves that you hunt; is there anything else about them other than the fact they are ‘loners’? Do you, thin the herd? So to speak? As others do the deer, or the caribou? He had never taken the time to try to converse with a deer, but he supposed the taste for wolf-flesh could be akin to the flavors of deer, or boar, or goat.

Taika’s eyes, however flashed, and her lips bared ever slightly. Those ‘loners’ were her family, and those lands her range. Though she could not hold territory and had never found a place to rest her paws, she and her kind could not live in fear of being hunted as they hunted rabbits. Some, however, who fled the lands of Alphas did deserve to be hunted.Or do you have targets in the common lands? Taika asked softly. She knew her fur smelled of the world. No pack could claim her and no boundary had held her. It was obvious why she was asking her question.

The silver and black wolf nodded his head at Tick Tock’s continued explanations. Tales coming from others always seemed to be an interesting perspective. A soft breath whispered through his nose. There was always something to learn when talking to another creature. The story behind the burned woman he had met was curious, indeed.

Once more with mirrored faces the two looked at the woman as she spoke. Taika’s head tilted in curiosity at her words. Her chocolate ear flicked and she struggled to keep her face as impassive as Tithe’s tended to be. One of her nature was not used to hiding the emotions she felt so fully. She had been approached by other wolves to discuss the topic of Zeus. Her thoughts ticked and mind worked.Zeus has caused a lot of trouble for pack wolves, and loners alike. She said softly, sadly at the thought of the lives the wolf had taken.

Tithe studied his friend, eyes clouding in concern for what thoughts were filling her mind. He looked back at Tick Tock and nodded his head. I do appreciate knowing that the pup I sought is safe here, and that those who come here seeking a home are as well. I do have two more questions; what becomes of those you hunt to eat who escape? Last, do you have questions for me?”