The trip from the Pass’s foot, through woods of varying density and across numerous waterways already had the sheltered youth reeling. After almost a year never leaving the Lost Lake, seeing the world outside the mountain valley was exhilarating to the curious boy. Now that they were drawing close to their goal though, the borders of a whole pack of strangers, his natural, timid nature was starting to take hold.

So he stayed well back, his shoulder in line with Chan’s hip, and kept his head ducked, tail straight down between his back legs – inches from fully curling between his thighs. Still, he met the scout’s eyes and nodded at the question, he was curious to see a diplomatic meeting in action and get a real glimpse of how another pack operated, but his shyness did complicate the situation.

As such, it was unfortunate for him that his submissive position left him closer to the young female as she unexpectedly approached from behind. Focused on the border before them, Leo didn’t hear her steps until they halted at his tail, the sudden voice making him jump slightly, whirling his head to look at the woman with wide, startled eyes.

Unable to answer her question in his befuddlement, and with no idea what to say anyway, he simply stared, silently begging for Chan to step in before the pup somehow offended their allies with his lag of social graces.

Thoughts ”Speech”

Thankfully, Chan was quick to come to his aid and answer the Backwater woman, mentioning their home, to witch the stranger offered her welcome. While he kept his gaze low, Leo took careful note of the interaction, intrigued to see how this diplomacy all worked.

Soon enough, another adult joined them, young as well, but clearly radiating authority, they way Leo’s own father did. And the way he acted too, with confidence and charm, made it quite clear that he called the shots here. Leo was happy to see that he greeted Chan with warmth and friendliness – although the scout had said the strange pack was their allies, it still eased the boy’s nerves to see it in practice.

The grown-ups continued to talk, but Leo’s interest was drawn by a grey form appearing out of the trees, taking a seat nearby. Admittedly, he didn’t have a lot of experience with other wolves, but Leo was pretty sure she was around his age – not yet an adult - and as she was joined by another, larger but still similar male, he felt a peculiar tickle of excitement and nerves in his chest. He did his best to offer up a friendly smile, as he’d been taught, anxious, yet eager, to meet other kids his age.

Yet for now, he remained where he was at Chan’s side, one ear perked as the adults talked about their missing members. He didn’t want to miss out on any news about his mother, there’d be time later to make friends.

Thoughts ”Speech”