Kingsfall To Whom It May Concern

His chartreuse gaze fell to his agouti co-lead as their guest spoke, giving his condolences to the widow. He gave her a sympathetic smile, for he knew how difficult it was for her to keep sharing the fate of her mate. XIX knew that she wanted nothing more than to move forward and continue with her life—as did the rest of Hearthwood.

A single brow raised as Drestig suggested a hunt between the two packs and he met the agouti’s green pools. He was not opposed to the idea, for he had not gotten the chance to get to know their new neighbours. Although he remained friendly with the Whitestone wolves XIX did not see the harm in having a neutral relationship with the western pack—especially since Kisla was so familiar with them. He gave a soft nod, his lips curling at the corners, before he offered his voice. “I think that’s a wonderful idea,” he announced once his gaze returned to Drestig, his tail giving a low wag behind him. “I agree with Kisla—after the breeding season would be ideal. Who knows how long winter will last this year.” Despite being of Arctic descent XIX had grown accustom to the Lore’s warmer weather and was no longer fond of lengthy winters. The snow would chase away the larger prey soon, so there would be nothing to hunt but small game as the cooler months arrived.

There was no doubt in his mind that it was a hard message to keep repeating, and one that had indeed been repeated many times. The death of a pack leader would always mean shifts, not just in their own pack but those around them, and many visitors as well as family members would have to hear the news, each time tearing into the open wound. Drestig could only imagine; He had experienced plenty of loss, but this was a situation he had blissfully been spared, and he hurt for Kisla and her position. His own head bowed as hers did, attention shifting briefly to her pale counterpart, allowing her time to recover before the conversation continued.

She was quick though, any shadow of pain gone from her face and voice in moments as she answered his suggestion. Drestig smiled, waving his tail in pleasure, but he saw the silent exchange between the two leaders and politely turned to Lachesis, to hear his thoughts as well. After a silent moment, a hint of a smile showed on the otherwise so inscrutable face, followed by a favorable response. The dark guest grinned and bowed his head, tail wagging happily; “Sounds like a good plan!” The wait would allow Hearthwood River time to grief, and give the Fields a chance to cement their claim and, hopefully, build up their strength. “I’ll send someone over, then,” He continued; “To plan the details.”

Ember eyes turned to the sky, squinting at the swiftly sinking sun. When he looked back at the River alpha’s, his smile was regretful, head yet again bowing, this time in salute; “Now I best be on my way home, thank you for your time.” He offered each leader a parting smile and waited a moment for their goodbyes, then he turned to head back to his Fields, happy with the days work, but excited to get back; Home!

Word count: 318

"Speech" Thoughts

Lachesis grinned in response to the dark alpha’s reaction, his own tail wagging gently behind him. There was no need for division between the two leaders. If Kisla trusted these wolves so would Lachesis, despite still feeling skeptical about them. It was Craw who had spoken so negatively about the south-western pack, and Lachesis had picked up on some of the paranoia as well. He had worried that they would repeat what had happened in Cut Rock River here, and XIX did not want the river wolves to move a third time. They were the first wolves to settle in the north and they intended to stay—for as long as they were able.

“Sounds good,” he responded with a nod to Drestig’s words, his chartreuse gaze falling to his agouti co-lead briefly. It would be interested to see how the two packs hunted together, and whether they would get along or not.

The ghost followed the male’s gaze to the setting sun and dipped his nose as the raven leader announced he would be taking his leave. “It was nice meeting you, Drestig,” he offered with a sharp grin, his words dripping with sincerity. “Safe travels,” he added before taking a step back so Kisla could give her own goodbye before he watched the Rye alpha turn away, his dark shape disappearing into the sunset. XIX touched his companion’s shoulder briefly, signalling that it was time for them to return home as well.

Fade.