It appeared that smaller animals were not the only thing lurking in the thicket near Rebecca’s den today, for a rather lanky black male had stumbled upon the den a little earlier and was currently laying upon the crisp white snow, waiting for it’s occupant to return.

It was obvious the occupant is female, they had been there recently and they to and that they were a loner like him for hers was the only scent in the area- therefore he wasn’t too worried about an ambush.

To pass the time he had been toying with the skull of a small rodent, batting it between his paws whilst his steel grey eyes danced from side to side, watching the movements in the world around him from his peripheral vision. He seemed bored and were his mind not so highly tuned he’d have lost patience a long time ago.
His patience however was about to be paid off, for at last he heard very faint paw-prints hitting the crunchy snow. A faint whiff in the air told him that the female who owned this den was close by so rather then waiting any longer he rose to his feet and followed his nose along her scent trail.

He wasn’t going to sneak up on the female, his intent was not to scare but to “meet the neighbours”… and to gather as much information about his family ties, history and current standings as he could.

It was not far before his eyes caught a glimpse of the female. He cleared his throat to draw attention to his presence before he sauntered out from the thicket and stood clearly before her.

“Excuse me ma’am.” His southern accent drawled, whilst his handsome face gazed upon her with a charming smile. Intelligent eyes glistened in the cold weather and his stance was relaxed and calm. Ah, the perfect disguise for anyone with a screw loose. “I don’t mean to be interrupting ya’ll but you’re the wolf that I’ve come across in these here parts and I’m actually after a little help finding some lost relatives.” He paused for a moment and then lowered to his haunches to sit. “I don’t suppose you know of the females Ranger or Volkan by any chance?” He left the question lingering in the air and gazed upon her expectantly for his answer.

He stopped himself from snorting, months of discipline had allowed him to mask his emotions and replace them with false ones. He hadn’t come back here without having taken the time to perfect his attitude. He’d learned at a very young age all about manipulation, war and hate, it swam in his blood alongside his red blood cells, but he wasn’t a thug- he had been blessed with brains alongside his dark calling and unlike many before him, he took the time to understand himself and just what he was capable.

Instead of snorting, he allowed his smile to grow and nodded his head. “Oh gosh, I am sorry ma’am. Where are my manners?! My name is Rhysis, Rhysis Aquila. I didn’t mean to ask so many questions, it’s just that you’re the first wolf that I’ve laid eyes on in months, it seems I’ve forgotten my manners and I must apologise. Joys of being young and packless I guess. My mamma would be ashamed at my lack of introduction- I can assure you she brought me up proper.”

At that he bowed his head, rose to four paws and took a few steps back. “I certainly didn’t mean to intrude on you or your home miss. I don’t have a home of my own but if I had I know I’d be protective of it too. I can see you’re not too happy about my presence and I’ll be on my way. I guess I just let the thought of seeing my sisters again take over my emotions.” He paused a moment then, waiting for a reaction. It was a gamble to state to leave, but with any luck the female would empathise with his almost ‘lost’ character and pick up the excellently worded ‘sincerity’ in his voice and stance.

He looked honest, earnest and completely harmless as he stood there, waiting for her reply.

Ah good, he managed to keep her attention and he gave her a nod, to say that he appreciated her speaking with him before he settled to sit down once again. “Rebecca? Well Rebecca it’s a pleasure to meet you. I guess I should be grateful the first wolf I bump into is such a sweet heart.” He took a thoughtful pause then, his head tilted to the side as if listening for something, but with a flick of his ear his attention was right back to her.

“So you say you have met Volkan? Oh I’m so glad to hear she’s around.” His easy smile came across his mug as he settled into the conversation. He wasn’t going to push his luck for information right now, no that would be a silly mistake, he needed to take his time, gather information slowly but surely as not to arouse suspicion. “I hope that she was in good health when you last saw her? It’s been many months since I last saw my litter mate,” He chuckled “I bet she has changed so much, grown into a fine female no doubt, just like our dear ma.”

Rhysis truss his lips a moment, trying to suppress a grin before he replied, most calmly. "Well, I certainly am glad that I have never met an evil wolf." And only then did he allow a small, toothy smile. Ah, if only she knew of his past, of the evil he had born witness to and even that of the darkness in his veins. They didn't come any darker then Rhysis... but of course, looking at him now you'd never think it.

"Ah, well I hope she's managed to survive this winter. It's been quite brutal hasn't it?" He stated before allowing his eyes to glance over her again, watching keenly as her tail thumped in irritation. Clearly her head was full of thoughts and for all his skills; mind reading wasn't one of them. Pity.

"So Rebecca, I must ask, how is it you've stayed in such good condition?" He inwardly cringed at the subtle compliment- flirting was not something he enjoyed but flattery was always a good way to make friends. "You must tell me your secret as to how you stay so fit. As you can see I'm a little on the scrawny side, especially with winter now upon us." He took a moment to glace down as his body. He was a tall wolf, lanky and on the large side but his appearance wasn't quite as fearsome as it could be. If you looked closely you'd see his ribs through his winter coat, his nape was thinner then it should be and in all he looked gangly rather then the over-powering brute he was sure he could be. Due to his past, he'd never been at his full weight, the joys of being exiled before you'd even hit adulthood- he was lucky that his father had taught him the ways of battle from birth, else there was no way he could have survived as long as he had... and that is also why he was certain Volken and Ranger would still be around, they were dragged up just as he, it wasn't pleasant but his survival skills were one of his greatest assets thanks to the horrors he saw as an infant.