It was strange, really. She had an urge to be social. After all, it had been quite some time since she had given into the urge; often, she preferred falling back onto herself, content to eat bugs and mice and crawl about the territory alone. Still, from time to time, she desired some kind of conversation or, rather, the mere presence of another wolf. It seemed absurd to feel such a way and yet, she had never been entirely alone for as long as she often found herself - even as a nomad, she often had another to sleep near or hunt with. And so, she had paced into the folds of Asteraia with long and supple strides, her enjoyment of the colder weather evident in her steps as she bounced along. Starshade had never thrived in the heat - she had been born far north, her fur thick and dense and her body too compact to bask for too long. Now, she was in her element.

One particular scent had made her curious for though it was common - all encompassing even - it seldom seemed entirely alone. Now though, she found her alpha's scent fresh and on its lonesome as she drifted through the grass and trees of the inner territory. Tentatively, she had begun to follow it, curious as to where it ought to lead her. Of course, she felt a momentary pand of guilt over having not spent all that much time alongside her appointed leader and yet, she had little doubt in her mind that the older wolf would understand. After all, she had accepted all sorts of wolves into the plains - why would a more solitary kind be any different? Still, the thought hastened her steps until she had been able to see the dark form of Tick Tock ahead of her.

With a hoarse bark, Starshade announced her incoming presence before she loped alongside the alpha, keeping a secure distance between the pair nonetheless; her tail bounced and waved in greeting, her ears back and head low in instinctual submission. She had grown accustomed to holding her position above true submission however, a learned habit that she had picked up through observing the other members of the pack. Nobody, it seemed, took too kindly to those deemed as weak or as pushovers. Still, she felt as if it gave the appropriate respect, as was owed.

"Monster," she had always found the title an unusual choice, "how fares your winter stash?" She inquired with a tilt of her head as her eyes sought to meet Tick Tock's for a brief moment before daring forward and back to the their path. "If you require it, I am able to fetch you pheasants from the woods. Hares perhaps, or rabbits if you prefer."