Ruiko, while his back had turned to his brother in lieu of protecting the young Fenru, could feel the dangerous bristle of Indru. His own figure lifted as the dark she-wolf dared challenge him in such a mess of a situation, believing herself to be his superior. In turn to such an action, Ruiko allowed a low, warning growl slip past his sinful lips in return; she could accept his help, but he was not going to play the puppet to anyone no matter the circumstances.


Her dominance was clear, and the large male stiffened his figure in turn, despite her acknowledgement to his offer. If she dared try to pull anything during their journey to the Hollow, Ruiko was sure he wasn’t about to roll over and flash his pale stomach to her in turn. Jaysyek would likely be receiving a subordinate with a torn ear along with her bad news. Ruiko Tainn was a far cry from a gentleman that allowed anyone to walk over him, and the stranger would be far better off realizing his politeness only extended so far.


Tilting his muzzle back, his eyes first fell upon Fenru, the timid youth who was confused by the sight he saw now. Softening his gaze, Ruiko would not move around Indru to comfort the boy with a touch, but his eyes did shift to Indru before he bumped his brother’s cheek gently. “He needs to be with you. I’ll report to you and Corinna when I return.”

The females demand for dominance was not missed by Indru either and as Ruiko replied a growl in return Indru's lips curled back to bare his teeth as a snarl hissed from between them. The female was on neutral land but if anything the Wildwood smelt enough of Swift River and Tainn in particular that it too almost smelt like claimed land, enough to make another cautious anyway. Besides Indru would never allow himself to be dominated by a stranger on what he saw as his parents land anyway, and doubted Ruiko would think different. The leaders stance stiffened as his tail rose to curl over his back, this female was outnumbered and had intruded upon them, if it was help she wanted she would have to learn she had no superiority here.

The black furred shewolf offered a nod in Ruiko's direction at his offer and when Ruiko bumped his muzzle against his cheek Indru nodded at his words, turning to nip his brother's shoulder in an affectionate farewell. If it wasn't for Indru's confidence in Ruiko's abilities he would be reluctant to let him go alone, but Indru nodded again agreeing with his words once more; he would not be taking Fen anywhere with them and nor would he leave him. Tell your leader I'm sorry for her loss, though Indru's tone was abrupt when he addressed this female he meant the words, and the quick look he gave her showed it. Then, with another weighted look at Ruiko which he knew his brother would understand (the two had never been one for too many words), Indru turned and gave Fenru a gentle tap with his paw to draw him with him, dropping his muzzle to brush it against his son's cheek to comfort him as he did so.