Huh.

Well.

That was unexpected.

Aleksei stared for a moment. His brows knitted and his eyes narrowed. Askan was leaving Wild Rye Fields? Just like that?

“Hey. Good for you.”

His expression relaxed and he offered a smile, nodding his head. “I know what that feels like, being somewhere you don’t feel appreciated. It makes a wolf miserable. So, I’m kind of glad to hear that you and Reyes are moving on.” Aleksei paused, frowning slightly. “I … you know, I’m thinking maybe I’ll go, too. I mean, the fields are great and all, but I’m not ...” He chewed the inside of his mouth, giving a shrug. “I’m not good without structure.”

“I’d come with you, but I’d hate to be the handsome third antler that gets stuck between you two.” He shot Askan a grin, hoping to lighten the mood a bit. “Besides, I gotta try to be around for Risaela and Mathéo. Stay local.”

“Just about everyone,” he casually replied, a twinkle in his eye.

But then the conversation got serious again, and Aleksei nodded. Of course they were still good! Was he giving the impression that they were not good? That Askan leaving was the end of their friendship? The shoulder bump was met with a growly whine and a wag of the tail. Aleksei knew that, sometimes, words were just a little too difficult to get out.

It was his time to snort now, though. “Yeah, you’re definitely unforgettable. Finding you will be easy. I’ll only have to ask once and be pointed in your direction. ‘The two grumpy ones’ they’ll say.” Aleksei chuckled. It was weird, laughing like this, knowing that Askan was going to be taking his leave soon, with Reyes at his side. He was happy for them, sure, but he felt a genuine sadness, too. They were his friends. It’d be tough to watch them go.

He owed them a lot.

“Oh, you’re on,” he grinned, dropping into his own play bow. “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you.” Ears perked atop his head, tail swishing enthusiastically behind him, Aleksei bounced forward, towards Askan. The (play) fight was on! No backing down now!

Aleksei had noted something about the old leader was … off. It was more than a little obvious, and he’d tried to keep his nose out of such personal business (Askan and Reyes had been long time members, as far as he knew), but he couldn’t any longer—it was a sad state of affairs, sure, but did no one else see how good this would be for the two dark furred males? Was no one proud? Did they all just see it as their own loss, not as Askan and Reyes’ gain? Wasn’t that just a little … unfair?

But what did Aleksei know. He hadn’t been here long. He didn’t really feel like he could criticise the Rye wolves for having feelings about long time members leaving.

Having followed Drestig’s scent to the pack den, Aleksei gave a low chuff of greeting, tail tucked between his legs as he gave his submissive greeting. He fell quiet for a moment, settling down into a sit, before he asked his question. “Sorry for sticking my nose into your business, Drestig, but … are you all right?” It probably wasn’t good for such an elderly fellow to be fluctuating in moods so much. Stress and all that, right?

Aleksei nodded. It was hard adjusting to a pack where the hierarchy was so different to Hearthwood River—everyone here was so open, so reliant on one another. Perhaps that’s why Askan and Reyes leaving stung so much. They were family to everyone. Following his leader’s gaze, the agouti looked out onto the fields beyond. The snows would be here soon, in a cycle or two of the moon. He had promises to keep, to Risaela and Mathéo. He’d damn well keep them.

Attention snapping back to the older male, Aleksei smiled weakly. “I think so,” he said, his own voice soft, “I’ve never been a dad, so I can’t say for sure. But, I think it’s okay to miss them. Askan and Reyes were good guys. I know I’ll miss them.” Aleksei paused, licked his lips, and met Drestig’s gaze full on. The younger wolf smiled, tail swishing across the floor. “You’ve done everything you can for them, Drestig. And I know they’re grateful. But this’ll be good for them. You should be proud. You gave them everything they need to make their own futures.” Not quite sure if his words could be taken as offensive, he shrugged.

“I’m just saying. I wish I knew if my dad were proud of me before he died. That’s my biggest regret, I think. You … you still have a chance to tell Askan. Even if you’re not really his father, you’re probably the closest thing he has to one here.”

With a bashful chuckle, Aleksei smiled. It was nice to receive that kind of praise, to know that someone would be proud of their kids if they turned out like the Baranski firstborn. Even with all his flaws and mistakes, he was still a good creature. He hoped his father was proud. As much as he disagreed with his family’s parental tactics (you’re the first, the one the rest will look up to, lead by example), he loved them. Missed them. “Thanks,” he breathed out, unsure why his throat felt so tight, his eyes so damp. Was he tearing up? Ah, jeez. Aleksei sniffed once, blinked away the moisture in his eyes.

Drestig’s gaze drifted back to the field of rye between the trees, and Aleksei did the same. He could understand why the old man had decided to settle down here with his family. There was something … enticing about those stalks, the way they swayed, their golden glow. Sunlight did this place justice, but it begged the question; what would happen come winter? So caught up in his own thoughts about the future, Aleksei found himself taken a little aback at Drestig’s words. The agouti male frowned. “I … I thought about it, I can’t lie. But my family—Risaela and Mathéo—they don’t have their mother. No father. An older sister who lies to her pack, keeps secrets. I can’t trust them with Inna, much as I wish I could. I want to be there for them. I want to be their big brother too.”

He sucked in a deep breath.

“Which is why I’m requesting your permission to visit Hearthwood River. I promised I’d see them, before the snows fall.”