The male was used to greeting other beings at the borders of Abendrot, he had been doing that for years. For the most part he had seen Kershov or Scarlet Nights accept every varg that had come here. Most knew the reputation of the pack before coming here and had come to this pack for a specific reason. Sometimes a pup would stumble to the borders, learning quickly that they would have to prove themselves if they wanted to stay here or else move on and find a different type of pack. Grey Wind knew that he was different than the previous alpha, no two wolves were identical in personality, but the ways of Abendrot was embedded deep within him and he didn’t want to change the ways of this pack. And so when the large grey brute heard the call of a stranger from the borders it was just natural instinct to turn in that direction and respond. What was still new to him was doing so as the alpha and not as one of Kershov’s warriors. But Grey Wind knew that with time being the alpha would become natural to him just as every other task he had trained himself to do had become.

And that was what had brought the alpha to this stranger. Yellow orbs sized up the other large male. His form was large, as was Grey Wind’s, but this stranger was as dark as night, unlike the alpha. He could only assume that he had come here to join, but who knew his true intentions. He had learned that most wolves were good at hiding their true selves, at least in the beginning, and until one had proven themselves they were not to truly be trusted. That was how you would get betrayed by your own pack, letting in a stranger too quickly and letting them come in and work their plots right under your nose. Grey Wind had seen such betrayals and elaborate schemes happen in his home pack, and his father had been too trusting to realize the mistakes he was making. His father was the alpha of his old pack, and he would let any varg that came to his borders in and would begin giving them ranks and tasks right away. It was easy for one to move up in ranks and suddenly have some power. And before long, others would come, disguising themselves as lost and injured wolves in need of a home, when really they were from an enemy pack and were spying on his father’s pack. So Grey Wind had learned from his father’s mistakes, not wanting a war to break out here in Abendrot just because he had been foolish enough to let the enemy in.

The alpha greeted the stranger, asking what had brought him to this pack. He had not introduced himself, but his body posture showed his rank, his head held high, muscles stiff and ready to spring into action at any moment, plume held high over his bodice. Anyone that was paying attention would know he was the alpha, even if they did not know who he was. The other male stood, keeping his own body posture submissive, banner held flat behind him. So far he was not showing any signs of aggression, but that did not mean that Grey Wind would relax and trust him to be a friend. Green orbs met his own yellow ones as his question was answered. "What brings me here? That would be the pack, sir. I would like to join, if that would be a possibilty. I'm Ryka," The male nodded his head at the words, not surprised by them. "Well, Ryka, I am Grey Wind, Alpha of Abendrot if you did not pick up on that already. And what is it that you would bring to this pack?” He knew that most packs just accepted any being that came to their borders looking for a home, but that was not the case for Abendrot. A wolf had to prove that they had assets that would help the pack if they wanted a spot in its ranks, whether it be fighting skills that a soldier possessed or something more specific like those of a healer. He waited for the response before making his decision about this Ryka.