The boy wasn’t incredibly lonely, but he was bored. He was the restless type, constantly needing to move and explore. He craved the excitement and adventure. Holding it all in was driving him mad. He wanted to fight somebody, he wanted to run around and lose himself in the woods. Sure, he could call for Moonshadow or somebody in the pack, but he craved a different type of company. He missed the lone wolves of his travels. He wasn't sure where some of them were, but one of them had to be around, surely? He sighed, disappointment plaguing his mood. He wasn’t so sure of anything.

The boy was spending a bit of time at Fallen Tree Cove, healing from the recent coyote incident, but he still wanted freedom and excitement. He missed Ferreiran, even Crow and Laurel. He missed the chaos. Sulking around the pack borders, the yearling eventually drifted farther out until the stench of pack was gone in the breeze. Then, with little regard for the attention it might draw, he lifted his muzzle into the air and let out a high-pitched, lonely cry.

The yearling had hoped for Ferreiran, but he wasn’t expecting it. When the familiar black wolf appeared through the camouflage of grass, the boy gave a happy chirp and wagged his tail. What were the chances? It had been more than he had asked for. “I missed you,” he said smugly, standing up to greet his friend with a lick to the chin. His eyes glistened with pleasure, a large grin taking over his face. He looked his age in the moment, very pup-like and genuine.

He rarely was the physically affectionate type, but it was well deserved in the moment. “I’m staying with the pack here for a bit, and it’s boring.”

Join a pack? The yearling couldn’t keep himself from laughing. Hysteric giggles bumped up in his throat, bewildered at the idea. Him- join a pack? No way. He couldn’t wrap his head around it. Sure, he was staying on the other side of the border a bit. He had done it at the Draw, and he was gonna do it here while he healed, but he was promising no loyalties. He never did. It was best for everyone for now if he stayed a loner.

He finally calmed himself down from cackling, clearing his throat and composing himself. He sighed dramatically, shaking his head. “Oh no,” he corrected, the smile reaching his eyes. “I’m just visiting. I have family here- but I’m not staying.” Not for long, at least. In-between speaking, the boy perked his ears, listening to the rustling of leaves.

Coyotes. They weren’t close, but they were coming.

The petite boy was quick on his feet. When the coyotes arrived, he was prepared. He quickly stepped back, avoiding the attack of one. It gnawed the air menacingly, threatening the two wolves to keep away. Between Ferreiran and Vaken, they didn’t stand much of a chance. Not if they wanted to get away without any injuries. If they fought- they might scare away the creatures, but it wouldn’t be easy or without liabilities. The small boy sighed comically, he couldn’t believe his luck.

They had a few options. “Fight through them,” Vaken ordered, exposing his teeth. “If we head towards pack borders, they won’t follow." He had no intention of bringing Ferreiran to the pack. Hell, Vaken had no intention of heading to the pack himself, but the smell would ward them off and the two loners could escape to a different area.

Vaken snarled, his teeth reaching out to grab a coyote by the side. It tore away before he could sink his fangs in deep, leaving him with a mouthful of fur. He spat, clearly disgusted, trying to avoid the snarling mangy vermin. He navigated around them, Ferreiran taking the brunt of aggression. He seemed to attract them. The coyotes were barreling at him left right and center. The small yearling quietly crept past, quick on his feet. Once he was a few steps away, he gestured at Ferreiran, letting out a sharp bark.

Then he sprinted. He didn’t give any other vocalization of his take off, just expected the other wolf to follow.

Vaken's Exit