He was officially the leader. Life was good, and it was soon to be great. He was determined to glorify Poison Path with his mate Athena. The pups were beautiful and full of character; his mind could not compute as to how the previous leaders left them behind....and took the others with them. There was no time for living within the past, though. The present and future were way more important.


With a lighthearted lope the man came along, black saddle of a back absorbing the warm rays of the sunlight. His jaws were parted, pink tongue lolling from his mouth as he bounded along. The water glistened within the light of the afternoon, beckoning him to take a drink. The white-gray man's tail swung high in the air with pride as he approached the edge of the water. With a swoop of his head, he began to lap water, but looked up around him for any sign of loners.


Nothing. Good. No...great. That's how it should be. If anyone were to show up on their doorstep, he would handle it for awhile. His beautiful mate had done enough as of recent. With a grin and a sigh, Tlarx sat down, watching geese wade across the lake.

The silence was broken by a male's voice. Tlarx? The Poisoned leader turned his head, deep brown eyes falling upon Ash. Upon noting his dominance, the mottled brown wolf lowered himself, and Tlarx nodded. Rising to his massive paws, the lighter colored man smiled. "Ash. Pleasant day, is it not?" It was a relief that there was barely any humidity. Tlarx could not stand the damp feeling against his flesh. Though it was not humid, the sun beat down almost mercilessly. Perhaps a swim was in order.


It had been awhile since he had seen Ash. They had only met once; it wasn't the best of encounters, but it wasn't terrible either. In silence, Tlarx's dark eyes pierced into Ash's own emerald ones as he inspected the new pack mate. He must have joined because of Treena. With his face now stoic, Tlarx's tail was high, his head lifted and chest out proud, but not bragging. "I'm glad you have joined us." His words were simple but appreciative. They needed more man power within the pack. Sure, the females contributed greatly, but testosterone was a must.

The wise wolf kept his gaze on Ash even when he looked to the sky for a moment. The man beside him asked to become Guardian. Hmm. He did seem powerful; he was large just as Tlarx was. He would be perfect, yes... there was no doubt in his mind. "Guardian, hmm? I do believe such would suit you..." his voice trailed off as he stepped forward, front paws stepping into the cool water. Closing his eyes in relaxation, Tlarx spoke once more. "A lot will be expected of you since we have the pups, Ash. I am sure you can withstand the pressure, correct?"


Eyes opening once more, he gazed downward at his reflection. Tail remained high as he now stepped fully into the water, the liquid up just above his paws. Perhaps Ash wouldn't mind a swim? Not yet, though. He wanted to know if the wolf was fully capable of obtaining and holding up his position as Guardian. The sun hid behind a cloud, and Tlarx tilted his head, gazing at the puffy white formation in the sky. There were small white clouds scattered about; no sign of rain at all.

Tlarx smiled at Ash. Soon, though, his face was once more stern. "Very well, then" he said, brown eyes glistening in the sun, "My faith within your abilities is strong." With a flick of his tail, he lowered his head swiftly, tongue lapping at the water. Raising his head ever so slightly, the leader now padded forth, bringing his body deeper into the water. Once it was just above his stomach, he turned to gaze at Ash and shrugged his shoulders. "Care to join?"


Poison Path was going to be strong- he knew it. There was not to be just 'wolves' within the pack; each would have a title. Warrior, guardian, healer, hunter... whatever was needed, there would be a wolf for it. If the man would have to recruit, he would. Though he did not doubt Ash's abilities on protecting the pups and his wonderful mate, Tlarx would not want to wander far from them, but perhaps it would have to be done.

Ash agreed to the suggestion of swimming; he soon submersed himself in the water as Tlarx had. The white coated man allowed himself to float in the cool waters, his black saddle bobbing above the surface. The water soothed his muscles from the workout the mountains demanded. Swimming back around, Tlarx felt his paws touch sand. There were small pebbles attempting to lodge themselves between his toes, but he kept his paws moving lightly.


"Any family around here, Ash?" The question was casual; he wanted to get to know him. Perhaps the other large-framed wolf would become a compeer of Tlarx. He needed his pack to be full of wolves that he could trust. One betrayal, and their fur would be torn straight off their backs.


His paws hunkered down within a soft patch of sand. The wolf allowed his body to relax as the water supported his belly. What a lovely day.