His ears twitched as the call rang out through the Surge territory—calling for both him and Rory. A frown tugged at his mouth as he recognized the voice, his legs unfolding from beneath him. With a heavy sigh he abandoned his perch on the rocky outcrop above the river and headed toward the borders, his plume raised high above his back.

He was a little surprised to see the agouti male at his borders so soon and was curious as to whether the loner had accomplished what Lachesis had asked of him. Even so, it did not guarantee him a position in the pack. The Driftwood ranks had swelled over the recent weeks and the ghost feared the children would not have a place in them once they reached their first birthday. They were more important than strangers.

Alvar, he greeted as he approached the edge of the borders, his chartreuse gaze sweeping from the younger male to the body of the marmot at his paws. Not a bad catch. But was it good enough for the Stark? He did not speak further, instead he refocused his attention on the loner as he waited for @Alvar to explain himself. 

The limp marmot at the loner’s paws did prove that he was capable of hunting; therefore, a worthy addition to the pack. But was there room for the tawny male? It was something he had been considering since their last meeting—whether there would be enough room for him to join the Driftwood ranks. Both Mathéo and Caelean had earned their places in the Surge—even the latter, who was one of the newer additions to the river pack. They deserved a place in the adult ranks. Lachesis worried that if this male joined them there wouldn’t be room for the cubs once they reached their first birthday. He couldn’t sacrifice their positions in the pack for a wolf he did not know, regardless of his talents or promised loyalty. There were many deserving packs in the area that would gladly accept the agouti into their ranks, as long as he proved himself the same way he had done for Lachesis.

I appreciate the gift, he responded after a brief pause, his expression neutral as he regarded the loner before him. I do not doubt your abilities or your promised loyalty, he added, his chin tipping to the side, but unfortunately I cannot accept you into Driftwood. There are limited positions left in the pack and they have already been promised to the youth. He paused, allowing room for Alvar to digest the information before he continued: There is a pack north-west of here. in the lowlands. Wild Rye Fields. Seek them out. Demonstrate what you have shown me today. He did not know how well the pack was fairing after Drestig’s disappearance and the absence of both Reyes and Askan, but he figured they could use another set a paws in their ranks. 

A soft frown graced his features at the loner’s reaction. Lachesis knew that Alvar wasn’t going to take the rejection easily—especially after he’d asked the loner to prove himself. He was pleased that the agouti had returned, with proof of his hunting abilities, but he could not offer Alvar a position in his pack. Not now. They had increased in size after the move and grown bigger than he’d ever anticipated, but he had to ensure there was room for the cubs. The future of Driftwood. He couldn’t let a stranger take that away from them. If they wanted to leave the pack Lachesis would respect their decision, but he wanted that to be on their own accord. Not because a loner had swiped their place in the ranks. I wish it was that simple, he responded sadly, his tail sagging slightly, but I cannot expand the territory. Not without angering the neighbouring packs. I do not doubt that you would be a worthy addition to the pack, but I can’t accept you. Not at this time. He offered the loner a sad smile. I wish you the best of luck, Alvar. I really do. He took a step back, dismissing himself from the conversation. There was nothing left for him to say.