It seemed that @Astra had been doing her part as lead female. Two scents criss-crossed Maksim's territory, ones he did not recognise. Not yet, at least. With his head lowered from its often regal position, the River leader investigated the smell of a wolf who had recently marked the border—no doubt they would aim for the role of guardian, then—and gathered what information he could. Male. At least five years of age. Healthy. Stressed? With a quick shake of his agouti pelt, the Baranski lifted his crown before he set off in a quick lope after the stranger who Astra had given the honour of allowing them to be called a Cut Rock River member. He did not judge the butterscotch lady's judgement, it was more a case of wanting to know exactly who was in his home at all times.

It wouldn't take long before Maksim could spy the unknown subordinate, an eerie glow cast over him as the snow all around bounced back the light from the moon. Giving a sharp bark, the dominant wolf made his presence to the seemingly troubled man known. Vibrant eyes gave the wolf a quick look-over. Dark tawny fur clung to the stranger's large frame, though he was smaller than Maksim. After few steps forward, his tail held high so that this fellow knew exactly who he was (in case his scent on everyone wasn't enough), the River leader let an amused tone slip into his words. “So you're the mysterious male who's been living here with Astra's graces?”

The River leader's tail flew upright as the male snarled as he span to face him, Maksim offering a raised lip in response to the growl. It seemed the brown coated male realised his mistake and who exactly stood before him as he quickly curled his tail between his legs, bowing his head to the dominant male figure. He apologised profusely, even going as far as calling the agouti wolf a lord. Well, he wasn't about to complain about that. Aeolus Argyris was the fellow's name and the Baranski nodded slowly. Seemed that the brown coated wolf wasn't enjoying this winter either. “Maksim Baranski,” he responded, “and you are right to be on edge—this winter won't be easy. That much is obvious.” Aeolus certainly looked stressed, just as the Baranski had identified earlier, and his little show of edginess had probably taken some toll on him. Best to easy his tensions. “At ease, Aeolus,” the leader mused, watching the male carefully, “you've no need to look like I'm about to rip your head off.”

Oh, yes, Maksim had been busy. Constantly checking for food, patrolling in case of predator and keeping an eye out for any foolhardy scavenger that thought it could snap something from right under the agouti beast's nose. Not to mention, he'd been dealing with a lot of loners looking for a home. “Yes, quite busy. There has been a lot to watch out for recently. Loners, caches running low, nosy creatures … there seems to be no end of troubles.” The Baranski allowed his gaze to drift from Aeolus and between the towering trees of the Cedarwood forest. “Famine is a dangerous and difficult thing, though we cannot let it break us.” The agouti leader's words were spoken in an almost matter-of-fact tone, like it was no big deal. They would survive—all of them. Maksim looked back to the brown coated male, silently flicking his tail as if to say wouldn't you agree.