News had spread throughout Moladion that some prince had come to power over a kingdom that belonged to his family. Matthias snorted at the thought as he moved towards Asteraia. Packs had always confused him, even his birth pack had been a place of torture for the free spirit. Why chain yourself down to a single land that could, any day, be overthrown by a younger, healthier wolf? When the one you have been loyal to dies or is kicked out, then what do you do? Do you betray them by staying or do you show rebellion and run to the open lands to suffer as a loner? Again, the older wolf scoffed at the thought. He liked being able to make his own choices and catch his own meals. Eating an entire fawn without having to share the rest was his idea of life.

And yet, he knew that packs had their purpose. Even to him. He had left Moladion during the last winter, but he could not follow the herds again. He was getting too old. A growl left his mouth at the word. Old in body, but not in mind. He was still just as keen and cunning as he had been ten years ago. Which is why his paws now carried him towards the plains. He wanted to offer his services to the young king in exchange for food and, perhaps, a place to stay when times got tough. Emerging from the dense forests that surrounded Asteraia, the old male saw the vast plains stretch out before him.

He had to admit, the land was beautiful. Wild flowers covered most of the field and the few scattered trees stood proudly above the tall grass. It reminded him of his old home, which made the image seem slightly darker suddenly. Snorting, Matthias continued his journey until the scent of blood caught his nose. Inhaling deeply, he gazed around and noticed a dark wolfess close to the boarder feasting of a bird of some kind. Turning, he trotted up to her, keeping his distance less she think he was taking her food. "Hey, are you from this pack? Mind if I talk to you for a bit?" Tactful as always, the gray wolf watched the other to see if she would do anything stupid. He didn't want a scuffle right now.