Hearthwood River his home is his kingdom.

“Could use a healer more than herbs, but suppose that wouldn’t hurt, long as y’told me what to do with ‘em. You ever get a spare healer, consider sendin’ them my way, yeah?” he asked Lachesis – he was likely happy to finish the favor, as long as it wasn’t a healer that Hearthwood River required. As it were, he had plenty of children underfoot. Maybe he’d want some of those as playmates for his own litter.

He might have thought on longer, but Inna pipped up with an apology. It was enough to prick his ears with interest, though he had its doubts to its sincerity. She’d gotten him in enough trouble to leave the pack, so he supposed that spoke for itself. Here he was an alpha now, standing in front of her own leader with propositions of friendship. It would be foolish to do anything else. So he just nodded his head and accepted it for what it was, pale eyes shifting back to the older wolf as he hummed.

“Maybe later in the winter, we can share a hunt. And you know you can come to us. For anything. Whenever.”

He flashed the ebony leader an understanding smile. Healers were often difficult to acquire, as there was not many wolves that pursued the role. It was by no means glamorous, but it was just as rewarding as hunting or scouting. Of course, he responded with a firm nod, his tail swaying behind him. The newly established pack would likely be Hearthwood’s greatest ally, due to the friendships he had formed with both leaders. Kisla had been prominent on forming an alliance with the Fields pack, so Lachesis had complied, and while he still wanted to remain on good terms with them there was no more ties between the two northern packs. Not after Kisla’s unexpected death. The Edge wolves were closer, which meant it would be easier to organize joint hunts and help each other out.

He wasn’t looking for anything in return. He never did. XIX just wanted to ensure the packs had a good relationship. Which included their subordinates getting along…

Inna’s apology came as a surprise. He had not been expecting that. He wanted to believe that she was being sincere, but he couldn’t tell. The raven was good at putting on a façade.

A hunt. Sounds good to me, he hummed in agreement, his expression still soft. I’d like to come visit soon, I haven’t been south of the lake in awhile… if that’s alright? He wasn’t trying to snoop or get in their business; he was simply curious about where Askan and Reyes had decided to settle down. 

stick with those who stick with you

This was important trying the best she could yo be nice to the man who had done her so wrong whether Lachesis saw it or not. She still felt that there was a lot the pale leader didn't see and that worried her. She was now getting to see the relationship between him and Reyes and she felt it wasn't healthy. Just like how Lachesis felt about her brother but it wasn't her place to question any of it.

Instead she was trying hard for the pale leader to show him that she was trying to be a part of the pack. That she knew her place and that all those bad things they had been said about her or believed about her were wrong.

As talk of a hunt came up Inna’s mind of course went to her daughter. She glanced at Lachesis after he had finished speaking hoping she wouldn't be too out of line. “I was wondering if you had any pups in your pack now. As you know we have a few so maybe we could have them join? Give them another opportunity to learn about pack hunts? I mean if that is okay with the two of you. I think with winter coming the more experience they have the better.” She looked better the two men waiting to see what they thought of her suggestion.

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“Mm, yes. That would be fine. I’m sure Askan would like to see you.”

If Reyes was more of the jealous type, he might have actually had a problem with how happy the dark wolf often seemed to be when he got to see the River alpha. As it were, he was grateful for friends – a visit from the ghost would also take some of the leadership pressures off Reyes’ shoulders alone. He’d have been content to leave it there, but Inna had a few suggestions of her own. He paused for a moment, glancing from the raven to the ghost, uncertain if this was something she was allowed to do…but it seemed fairly harmless.

“We do. Two of them. I think we’ll take them out beforehand – don’t want too much chaos.” It wouldn’t do to have so many green wolves on top of several hunters who weren’t used to working with one another. “But we’ll bring them along. Social butterflies, those two.”

He snorted, a bit fond. They seemed much keener on Askan. For the best, probably. He wasn’t a good father figure.

“Anything else, ‘fore I head back home?”

He could see the southern pack becoming one of their closest allies, especially due to their close proximity. Two days travel south was much better than three days to the east—especially when the leading pair were close friends of the ghost. The raven Baranski’s feelings toward the duo would not change his opinion on them, or their pack. They had done nothing wrong to Lachesis personally. The scarred male before him had informed him of the truth, and if Inna still chose to deny it that was her choice. He should have believed her over the ebony southerner but her track record made it difficult. Especially since she liked to paint herself in the best light.

He nodded, briefly, to show his gratitude. Once winter settled into the lands, along with the new pack, Lachesis would visit his friends. Check out the real estate they had claimed.

The Baranski’s words earned a puzzled expression from the ghost, his chartreuse gaze flicking over to her as she spoke. Even Reyes seemed taken aback by the suggestion. Lachesis wouldn’t be opposed to the idea, but Reyes’ pack was still fresh. A joint hunt was the last thing they were looking to do. It’s not a bad idea, he mused in response, his attention returning to Reyes.

Anything else… A wiry grin rolled onto his pale features as he took a step to the side, how about a meal before you go? Surely the newly appointed king would want something in his gullet before venturing back down south.

stick with those who stick with you

After the trying time and time again to explain what had happened at the rye border and Lachesis still not believing her about what happened she'd resigned herself. She'd only withheld information one time and when the truth had come out she didn't deny it. Now she was marked a liar and she didn't see that changing any time. She'd done a lot of thinking since that day when Lorcan had come back and decided it was best to just let them believe what they wanted. When she was the only one telling the truth and no one to back her up she had no choice but to accept it as it was. Unfortunately this would remain the biggest wedge between her and Lachesis and she didn't know if it would ever be repaired which saddened her.

That didn't mean she had to like or trust Reyes or Askan it just meant she had to play nice with them. She saw the looks she received when she had made her suggestion about the joint hunt. She didn't know if she had overstepped her bounds, in the past she didn't ever remember being reprimanded for such a thing. She was thankful when it went over well, the last thing she needed was Reyes to get her in trouble yet again especially when she was trying to he nice, trying to get along with the man she believed to have ruined her life. She still didn't know what she had done to him to cause him to want to hurt her so badly. She supposed she would never know.

“That's completely understandable,” she chimed in, “But I'm glad to hear you will be bringing them anyway. It will be good to meet them and for them to meet us especially with us living so close to each other.” There was the chance that the river wolves might cross paths with the wolves including the pups of Reyes pack.

When Reyes asked if there was anything else Lachesis offered a meal and an invitation to enter the territory. This bothered the Raven but she kept her expression neutral. She had no say in this matter, another one of those things she had to accept. She could wait for the day when Reyes or Askan would mess up and break trust with Lachesis.

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“A meal? Well shit, only a fool would turn that down.”

Maybe Lachesis could catch him up on some norther gossip while he ate; he’d reply with what little he had in turn. The problem with being a nomadic group was a lack of information, really, but as the pack settled and the winter rolled in, that would surely change.

Allowing the ghostly alpha to lead the way, Reyes followed at a steady pace, relaxed. Easy. A far different wolf that the one who’d appeared in times before. Perhaps leadership suited him. Or perhaps he simply needed to get out from under the thumb of someone else.

Fade.