Ruiko felt more settled now than he had since before the Hidden Tree pack had disbanded. At night, the large male would curl his figure protectively around his beautiful mate’s side and would whisper of promises for their future, while during the day he would traipse the borders of their pack with the youthful Kinis and Volkan. It pleased him to know they had accomplished what they had sought for so long, but the tawny male was not without worry. Winter was a harsh season, and the bitter cold and snow proved challenging to the four wolves when it came to storing their caches. More pack wolves was something he desired, but their secluded home did not offer many strangers to pass by.


The day once more began with the hefty regal prowling his pack borders, scenting the areas where the pack smell began to fade. Every so often Ruiko would push himself up, his paws landing heavily upon a tree as his claws dug into the bark, offering a visual to any rogue that may come across the pack lands that this belonged to him.


When the wind shifted a new scent trailed to him. Tilting his muzzle slightly, his amber eyes blinking in the direction of the offending scent, the tawny male moved forward, curious as to what wolf had come closer to his boundaries than any other had in some time now. Finally, his gaze caught upon the slender figure of a pale she-wolf. No sooner could his muzzle open to offer a greeting did another come to view, this one a larger male who’s pelt was a fine tan and pale cream. Emerging from the foliage, Ruiko held himself with the new pride that came with his rank as Leader. His tail arched high along the wind, while his stoical eyes filtered between the two wandering wolves, deciding he was not going to be the first to speak this time.

The two wolves noted his presence – he must have seemed intimidating in his stoical silence for they both slunk down to a posture of submission. Approval cast in his bright amber eyes as the regal wolf studied each – the male’s pelt was interesting to him, a myriad of creams and light hues. The she-wolf was pale, though her eyes were bright.


Ruiko’s ears preened forward as they spoke, his muzzle canting slightly as his tail gave a light flick to the air. “You’re near the borders of a newly established pack, Copper Rock Creek,” he informed them, giving a nod to each to reveal he appreciated the respect they had shown. “My name is Ruiko Tainn, the lead male.” He allowed a small pause to drift between the two, his eyes flickering back and forth from one stranger to the other. The pack was in need of members, if they had the right attitude. “We are a small pack of only five.”

His words and greeting relaxed them a little – thus far they seemed to be little threat to his pack and the regal wolf allowed his own posture to smooth slightly. Their introductions were put forth, and while Ruiko quietly allowed his mind to reinforce their names, the small pause after they finished speaking only grew longer..


There lack of stating their interest in the pack never came forth, and the tawny male only assumed then that they sought to join his ranks. Blinking gently, the male canted his muzzle slightly, his tail giving a soft swish through the winter air. “If it’s my pack you seek to join.. Tell me why I should allow you in my ranks,” he rumbled, curious if the two wolves before him were mates. “What would you offer Copper Rock Creek?”