As much as the little Kael enjoyed exploring the crevices of the monadnock he was also fond of the rare solitude he received when both his parents were out on patrols. The abandoned coyote den was rather spacious in the absence of Piety and Wraith, which meant Cyril was able to sprawl across the dirt floor with all four of his stubby legs suspended above him. He relished the limited silence he was given; embracing every second he had to himself. The den provided comfort and safety from the rocky terrain of the monadnock and was a quiet place he could retreat to when his adventures made him drowsy.

Or it was quiet when intruders did not stray too close to the mouth of the den.

When he first heard the scuffle of paws outside his sanctuary Cyril flopped over to his stomach, his ears pinned forward as his brows narrowed in curiosity. He had not been expecting his parents back so soon… His nostrils flared eagerly as he lifted his nose, trying to match the scent to the names and faces he was familiar with. But this was a new scent—one that he had detected on his parents in the last few days. But he was not acquainted with this wolf. His curiosity only increased as he scrambled forward to close the distance between himself and the entrance of his den.

A small female stood near the den appearing frazzled. He noted the distance between herself and the cliff but did not say anything, as the cliffs were something that he was still getting used to as well.

Truthfully the boy was a little upset with her appearance, for she had disrupted his solitude, but he kept his frustration to himself. He also could have disappeared back into the den, leaving the female to her devices, but his curiosity was far too great. So, instead, he offered her a soft chirp in greeting, his baby blues focused on her tawny frame.

The stranger appeared startled by his presence and the two unknowingly engaged in a staring contest. She did not seem pleased to see him, but neither was he. Just as easily as he had materialized from the den Cyril could have slipped inside and ended the encounter. However, his curiosity was far greater than his desire to be alone. Who was this wolf and why was she so dishevelled? The rock was all he knew; the cliffs and abundance of sudden drops did not phase him. With each day that passed the little Kael was growing more familiar with Whitestone and, thanks to his parents, he was quickly learning his boundaries.

His ears twitched as she spoke. She had begun to introduce herself when she stopped, abruptly, her lips meeting after the L sound rolled off her tongue. As his brows pinched together she continued, sharing a name with him that did not match the first sound she made. Everly. The boy gave a sloppy shrug in response before sharing his own name. “C’ril.” His head fell to the side as he continued to observe her, his expression growing serious as a frown tugged at his lips. “Why ‘ere?” He asked with youthful innocence, his eyes bright as they widened with curiosity. The smudge was too young to understand personal boundaries so, to him, the question was harmless. 

His lips fell into a soft pout as she spoke, the words tumbling off her tongue to form an answer for him. His parents had asked her to live here, with them—with everyone? How odd. He would have to seek out his parents later them and bombard them with questions, as he was not quite sure how this whole joining process worked. All he knew was that one day she wasn’t here and now she was. It was strange but there was nothing he could do about it. Unless he reeeeeaally did not like her… then he was sure he could persuade mother to kick her off the rock. “Like ‘igh,” he responded with another shrug and a raised brow. High was good. If he wandered close enough to the edge he could see everything. From the tundra directly below them to the mountains, the trees, and the fields surrounding them. And one day he would see it all up close!!!!

Hopefully soon. There was only so many rocks he could look before growing bored of the same scenery.

The stranger’s next question painted a crooked grin across his dark maw; denim eyes glistening with mischief as he gave an excited nod. He knew all the best places to hide—especially when his parents were looking for him and he thought it was funny to evade their calls. But he was not sure if he was willing to share them with the tawny female. “Yayaya,” he answered excitedly as he bounded to his paws, his nose leaning forward in her direction as he peered at her with one wide eye, the other falling into a soft squint.

“Y’good?”

Translation: can I trust you because I don’t, but I might want to. I haven’t decided yet.

Just because his parents liked him didn’t mean he had to. But he was curious as to whether he could trust the timid sparrow. Despite her uncertainty with heights she did not seem completely useless. Perhaps she was a worthy addition to the monadnock after all.

If he had been a few months older it might have taken more words to convince Cyril that she was indeed trustworthy, but his excitement clouded his judgement, and the promise that rolled off her tongue was enough for him. He was still wary, for the tawny female was still a stranger to him and Whitestone.

His navy pools narrowed as he studied her sincere expression, the corners of his mouth falling into a soft frown. After a pregnant pause he nodded solemnly as he hummed in approval. He would not show her the best hidden spots yet—not until he was actually sure he could trust her. The Kael was beginning to learn that words only went so far. It was actions and gestures that spoke volumes.

His excited grin returned, clumsily collapsing against his dark lips. He padded forward, motioning for the girl to follow him with a flick of his nose. Cyril was not sure what he was going to show her first, but he knew that his paws would decide for him. So far he had a good impression of the sparrow, which meant he was willing to show her a few of his favourite spots. There were some that he would keep to himself, for they were for him to escape to when he was not able to leave the rock. He wasn’t sure he would ever show anyone those spots.

The boy remained quiet as he padded forward, expertly maneuvering over the rocks at a leisurely pace. Occasionally his gaze would sweep behind him to ensure that Everly was still following, and would flash her a crooked grin as they continued forward.