Tokino didn't really know the other male who was watching the pups today. He didn't really want to know, all he wanted to do was speak with the pups or maybe tell them a story if they wanted it. However he was reluctant to head on over to the other male and say "Hi there!" So for quite some time Kino kept to himself near the right wall of the cave opposite of the pups. He was sure someone would try and head out to explore though. Then he would have his chance with the pups.

Noon came and fortunately for the pair of babysitters none of the pups seemed to want to go outside and play. Fidgeting with his own need to move and do something Tokino finally stood up, stretched, and padded cautiously over to the other male and the pups. He dipped his head respectfully and lowered his tail a bit in submission. If this is a pack mate then I should get a name in and such..

Howdy. My name is Tokino Lagina. What's yours friend. Kino tried to break the ice and get some kind of conversation started between them. He hoped that with this males age he would be the respectful kind like himself. But every once in a while you can find an aged wolf who's still a damn fool. Kino hoped this wolf wouldn't be an ass like most younger wolves were these days.

After receiving an answer he tilted his head to the side a bit and grinned for two reasons. One, the wolf could smell Narimé's scent upon the wind that swept into the cave, and two it was nice to be friendly with pack mates. Supposedly... Smells like your mothers brought you lunch. Kino's iced eyes swept over the younger pups wondering if any of them would answer.

When she approached he was surprised to see Nari with such a relaxed pose. Though I suppose I've already been around the pups for a little while now. Maybe I've finally gained a bit of trust back from her. Kino smiled up at the woman then watched as she lay beside him.

My backs been better. You should be more worried about Minka though not an older wolf like me. He answered then closed his eyes contemplating what to do next. Now that his little niece was here Kino could leave and stretch his legs even just for a bit. However right this moment he was a little too comfortable to move.

So.... I'm glad to finally have met Sloane. He started to break the ice between them. I believe you chose well with him. He sighed wondering if Marianna would have respected Nari's choice in mate. She'd more likely say no one's the right choice for her daughter. the man chuckled silently in his head.

Does he have any other family a part from you and the pups? This bit of information was crucial to the older wolf. At least for him who valued honor, respect, and nobility in his family. Kino wanted to like the Thorben's wherever they might be located.

Tokino sighed. He knew that Narimé would get interested in the rest of her family at some point. However the Lagina side of her family he knew much better, and there were many wolves in his family.

First I will tell you of the pack where I came from for the Lagina family still thrives today unlike your RiverRunner ancestors. He raised his head proudly showing off the silver fur he had acquired from his fathers father.

Last I knew before I left on my own journey my cousin Raiguk Eui Lagina was ruling with his mate Teresa Anne as alphas over Mountain Rose Pack. That's the pack where the Lagina family wolves have ruled for generations. He explained quickly then allowed for a small silence so the she wolf would be able to register the names in her own memory.

My mother, your grandmother Flower Fall, stepped down from leadership after your grandfather Yakova Lagina died...He pausd tipping his gray head downwards. My father was a good noble wolf, just like your Sloane Thorben. He ruled for nine solid years as alpha. No one dared to challenge him. Kino closed his eyes remembering the pale form of his fathers platinum fur against the blue sky. He was sure that the elder Lagina was sorely missed. He had been a good alpha.

Then your great uncle Marcus "Red" Lagina took over as alpha for quite some time. His first mate Stella Star died giving birth and none of her pups survived. I feel bad for how unlucky uncle Red was. His second mate Maple Storm died about six months after she gave birth to little boy Raiguk Eui Lagina and little girl Bark Nakpa Lagina. Though the third time was the charm with Red while taking his third mate Tula Sky. She was alive when I left bearing him a son and a daughter Kova Yani Lagina and Nyna Lagina. Tokino listed of the names easily from his memory. So far Nari had been doing well in remembering her family and their names. Had she been born in Mountain Rose pack she probably would be learning under me as a "Keeper of Names" within the family... He thought glad to see that he wasn't the only one who ha the ability to remember faces and names surprisingly well.

Of our family still residing within the pack consists of your grandmother Flower Fall, your aunt Keema Lagina, your great uncle Marcus Lagina, great aunt Tula Sky, and their children Kova Yani Lagina, Raiguk Eui Lagina, Bark Nakpa Lagina, and the female who is mated into the family Teresa Anne. He recalled the last dramatic events that had unfolded just before he'd left the pack to search for his sister. How the younger stronger Kova Lagina male had triumphed over older injured Marcus.

Ah yes..My father was 11 years of age when death finally claimed him. the gray males answer to his young nieces question was quick and to the point. Tokino did not want to dwell upon the matter. In fact the gray man had jerked away from Nari's gesture of comfort a few moments before. He could not be comforted by one so young who knew naught of the worlds hardships.

Her next question caught him off guard. Is that all? He chuckled silently in his head then allowed his black jaws to open in answer. There were many others who are all dead from old age, injury, or illness. I only spoke of the closest family you have that I know of. He answered tilting his head to the side while a crisp breeze teetered upon his platinum mane.

I had three sisters, two of whom are dead now. One was your mother, the other was Yalua Lagina, and the third who last I knew was alive had left the pack. Her name was DarkWind Lagina. Kino could not say much else about his brazen darker sister. She had left home as soon as the chance had presented itself to her. All the male could hope for was that she was alive and having a good life.

Actually I noticed before that each of your pups looks like a family member of ours in the Lagina family. Titan looks exactly like my blackish sister DarkWind, Yuka looks just like Keema though he has his fathers eyes, then you look just like your mother. Malia is the only one who does not resemble a Lagina. She mirrors her proud father greatly. He commented smiling as the older wolf spoke of the children.

Then Nari spoke of his leaving. It surprised him a little that she had caught that desire in his eyes. True to himself Tokino did love to travel. He only hoped that at some point his body would accept a certain place as its home and stay put.

I was thinking of leaving soon. He confessed though smiled a little at the younger womans teasing voice. Perhaps he'd make her go over the family names a few more times before he left. However Kino was sure it was soon time for his leave.

Truth is, you don't really need me here. Your family is doing well enough on its own. You have guardians, pup sitters, hunters, and scouts. My presence will not benefit this pack. He concluded letting a small twinkle of sadness pass into his gaze. He would miss seeing his sisters form within Nari passing by him every day, and the laughter while Inali teased him day by day. However Kino knew he would have to let go. I need to be of use to someone, a real benefit to a pack. the males voice rumbled on.

Kino sniffed discouragingly towards the females. Their whining bothered him greatly sometimes. Although most young wolves whining bothered the male. Pups are fine, but grown wolves shouldn't wine so much... He thought letting a little growl slip through his lips.

I'm not leaving yet! He snapped his jaws quickly throwing a hard stare in Inali's direction and then turning to Nari a few seconds later. Lowering his gray ears to the sides of his gray crown Tokino listened as the females spoke back and forth voicing their concerns without letting him get a word in. It was enough to drive a male bonkers being surrounded by cutesy estrogen filled little girls.

Yes Nari...Inali, I know how harsh the winters are. I've lived through plenty of winters on my own. So thank you for not noticing my age girls... He growled lightly chuckling at the pair as their voices verbally attacked his ears. I know how to live alone through winter, I have done it before. He threw this sharp comment towards Narimé as she stood there gawking at him.He didn't spare a glance for Inali since she plainly voiced herself on trying to be respectful.

Besides I never said anything about leaving during winter you daffy bats.. The male raised his chin closing his eyes trying to look strong in front of the ladies. I'm not stupid. If your pack has enough food to support me through winter I'll be staying until Spring. He growled sternly not letting Narimé get a chance to object.

Oh and Inali's previous comment reminded me about something. Kino shook his ruff then lowered his head keeping with the submissive pose he was supposed to use in front of both higher ranking girls. You don't seriously expect me to stay happy as the lowest ranking wolf do you? He growled softly towards the silver female. While its true I somewhat deserved it I'm sure Nari has come around to realize that her father wasn't the hero in the story, but a thief and women stealing bastard. She should see my reasoning for hating him so much at least. Since that was the reason she put me in this position. He thought quietly while waiting for the she wolf to answer.

Though there is the problem of the second in command. If she says I can only rank up by challenging him then there's going to be a problem. I haven't even met the guy yet let alone do I know his strengths or weaknesses. Kino mused silently thinking over how to up his position so that he wouldn't have to bow so low ALL THE DAMN TIME...