Dastard's Rapids isn't this exactly where you'd like me

you draw blood just to taste it

The boy would never pass up an opportunity to express anti-pack rhetoric. As soon the question came out of her mouth, he was animated and expressive. “Been a lone wolf my entire life.” His tone wasn’t too proud, not quite bragging, but it was clear he enjoyed this question more than any others. It was more than small talk to him, it was something he was genuinely interested in discussing. “Considered joining a pack here, couldn’t bite the bullet.” Submission was a serious commitment, one he wasn’t ready to make. Maybe not one he would ever make. Exposing his stomach to another leader, licking their manes and waiting to eat seemed like a nightmare brought to life. He had never had to do that in his life, why start now? Recently the idea of claiming his own territory had floated around in his mind. He was not the wisest most experienced wolf, nor was he the strongest and most suited to lead- but it wouldn’t stop him if he set his mind to it. He was possession, impulsive, charismatic. He would let his friends live within the borders of their sanctuary and wander when they desired to. It seemed like the best of both worlds. Was he ready for it? No.

He was too young and reckless to even fully understand what leading a pack meant. He simply didn’t see it that way. He wouldn’t see himself as anything more than a puppeteer, someone to put the pieces together and hope it works. He assumed it was as easy as scent marking the trees you wanted and chasing anyone who crossed it out. “Do you plan on staying a lone wolf?”

you hold bones just to break them

Blue couldn’t relate. She had always been part of a pack; a family. While she had always been independent this was her first time being on her own. It was a little unsettling and she was constantly questioning her motives behind leaving the Coola wolves, but it was the next big adventure in her life. There was only so much to do and see along the coast. She would always prefer the sea to the trees, and would likely return in the future, but for now adventure had captivated her and thrust her into the Lore. The same land her mother (and her siblings) had once explored.

The tawny yearling nodded, absently, in response to the long-legged male. Even from their brief conversation Blue could tell that he was not the type to be sanctioned by the rules of others. To each their own. She was not sure if she wanted to pursue one of the local packs either. It was too soon to tell. Hell, she did not even know if she wanted to stay yet, as she could still hear the gentle waves of the ocean calling to her. Attempting to lure her back to the coast. A siren song.

Haven’t gotten that far yet, she answered honestly as her cerulean gaze turned to the dark male, the corners of her mouth falling slack as she observed him. She did not know if anything in this desolate place would make her stay.

you draw blood just to taste it

As open-ended as the woman's words were, Vaken understood. He hadn't expected her to have a serious reply. Hell, he didn't even know what his plans were this winter. He suspected that was what it was like for most lone wolves. They kept moving until something stopped them. He stepped away from the water, rubbing the remaining droplets off his chin.

Maybe if he had been more polite he would have invited her to travel with him. He didn't want to though, so he merely clicked his tongue and sat in silence for a few minutes. He groomed the spot on his shoulder that he had gotten wet, then moved down towards his chest. She probably wouldn't agree even if I did. She didn't seem like the type that wanted company. "Well..." he tried to remember her name, testing them on his tongue. Nothing was coming to mind, Balloon? Bell? He searched over her for clues, running his gaze from her paws up to the tip of her head. "Blue. Take care out here."

With that, the yearling stood up, turned his back towards her and left the same way he had come.

Fade

you hold bones just to break them