Weariness dragged at the brute. In his time away, he'd lost weight. Wraith had forgotten how harsh the Far North could be and prey was not as readily found as he recalled, especially for a wolf traveling alone for much of the journey. There was a new cut under his eye from a nasty fall that could have been far worse, but all in all, he was whole in every sense of the word. His purpose for leaving in the first place had been fulfilled, but it would be a story to tell Craw at another time. No doubt his leader would be anxious to hear how the rest of his mission fared.

The black male turned to his companion and offered a weary smile as they finally entered Larkcall. That he'd been willing to brave the harsh winter storm with him came as no surprise. He seemed tough as nails and less trustful of Wraith's story that Craw lived. Far from offended, the Northerner was grateful he'd accompanied him on the journey. As capable as the black wolf was, he missed his pack and the companionship that came with their presence.

"Almost there," the brute assured as hoarfrost clung stubbornly to his whiskers.

In the distance, Wraith could see the Monadnock and felt his heart swell. Home. There was home right there waiting. He nodded towards the monument, drawing Mittani's attention to it. "You can see it there."

Falling quiet again - he was a poor travel companion for conversation, but did his best to answer any questions Mittani had on the way - he continued on with steadfast determination. Mostly, Mittani's questions felt like an interrogation. Wraith was luckily far from offended and didn't protest the inquisition.

When finally within range, the brute threw up his head and howled out in his baritone voice a summons for his packmates. The note broke through the early morning cold. It felt like hope and love and home all rolled into one.

Wraith prides himself on being fairly unflappable. It is only the truly asinine that seem to get him riled like a particular tree-loving, loony female who doesn't know when to shut the -- He takes a breath. It is the same annoyance that flits through him now at Mittani's scoffing, biting remark in regards to his home, however, the brute is positive it has more to do with hunger and exhaustion than the white wolf himself. All in all, he was a fairly decent traveling companion and kept up even as Wraith recklessly traversed the mountains during a blizzard.

He doesn't answer the male's question after he howls. Instead, golden eyes scan the horizon, blood practically thrumming with sudden anxiety. His ache to see Craw has been a constant throughout his travels, but now it hummed just beneath the surface and his limbs trembled in a way that has little to do with the frost and wind around them.

Spotting the spider-faced male, a quiet whine worked its way up his throat while his tail began wagging furiously, windmilling in his excitement. He watched as his Alpha ran to greet him, tail just as happy as his own. Rather than greeting him as Wraith fully expected, Craw paused. His annoyance returned ten-fold.

In a rather un-Wraith-like fashion, the dark male closed the distance between them and nipped his brother gently across the muzzle. Shock or not over his companion, that was far from the kind of greeting he deserved. Of course, it was easily forgiven and Wraith rubbed against his friend, mingling their scents and reaffirming bonds that had been stretched too thin in his travels. "Me first," the Second grumbled grouchily, though his subtle smile would be easy for Craw to spot above anyone. Finally leaning back to take stock of Craw, Wraith's tone relayed the weariness he felt. "We have much to discuss. But food and home would be much appreciated first. And maybe a nap."

Seeing as how Craw was still apparently dumbstruck, Wraith glanced back at Mittani and inclined his head towards the Monadnock. "Since he's too rude to invite you himself, welcome to Whitestone Monadnock," though it was said with a smile to let all know he was teasing.

His Alpha's grumble was a welcome one and Wraith took the affectionate nip without complaint, smile broadening. That was much better, he thought with satisfaction. Brother. The sentiment was shared in kind as the male rubbed his head firmly beneath @Craw's chin, heedless of their company. He cared little for @Mittani's thoughts on their reunion. While it may change, he was not pack now and would not understand. Even if he did join the ranks, it was still unlikely he would ever understand the bond he and Craw shared. An oddly possessive satisfaction settled in his belly.

As Craw stepped away to give their guest a proper welcome, Wraith's ears perked high on his head and the open-mouthed grin flashed quickly. @Morganna. His heart felt full to bursting when minutes before, it had been flagging low. He was home and now surrounded by pack, pack, pack.

Wraith side-stepped his other leader's head-on assault enough to avoid impact, but not avoid the solid brush along his side. The brute turned quickly, tail wind-milling all over again as she gave him a far more proper greeting that Craw had. He'd already forgiven his brother, knowing well the male had a lot to take in with seeing an old friend.

Morganna's whine-growls were met with Wraith's own and he nipped excitedly at her, tongue darting along her muzzle and face and ears and neck. He wanted nothing more than to curl up with his family after a good meal and sleep for days. "I missed you," he told her, voice soft and low with emotion. "How are the pups?" There was some disappointment for not seeing them immediately. He wondered how much they have grown since he left. Guilt for leaving assaulted him all over again - how was their training going? More importantly, had someone been mucking up all his progress??

He caught Craw's eye and nodded. Indeed. A mix of good and bad news, but Wraith liked to think there was more good than bad.

"Let's go home," he suggested, already angling towards the Monadnock with Morganna alongside him.