Ace padded along slowly, slower than he would have if he was by himself so that Adsila could keep up. He could hear her breathing hard, and constantly checked to see if she was okay to continue on. Her body was emaciated, and her movements slower with fatigue and cold. The winter was harsh on all wolves, but it took its toll on her more than others as she was still months away from her first year, not yet old enough to be on her own. It pained him that he couldn’t do anything to help, but the sooner they arrived at the packs borders – which were very close – the better it would be for her.

Stopping a few wolf lengths from the border of Magnolia Glen, he felt Adsila lean against him, and lifted his muzzle to let out a long howl, announcing the presence of two lone wolves who meant no mischief. It was now two, as Thanos had left them as soon as they got close enough to the borders. No matter how hard both he and Adsila had tried to get him to come with them, the tawny male refused to change his mind, and just left. The silver male had no idea where Thanos had gone, but he knew that unless he joined a pack, he would die in the cold.

His silver eyes lowered to Adsila, who was leaning against him, eyes closed and relaxing. She was no longer the strong-spirited pup she had been before Shade died and Pitch Pine Trail fell into despair. Her personality had become more closed, and she spoke less to the point where he could only get a sentence or two out of her at one time. It frightened him, and he hoped that once they joined Magnolia Glen, she could open herself more, have friends again. Act like a pup again.

As a white and cream female appeared on the other side of the border, her orange eyes scanning over him and Adsila, the Silver male did the same. She was smaller than him – then again, most wolves were – and had lighter features along her underbelly and face, while her back and muzzle were darker. The pale tawny female’s ears were up and her posture was certainly dominant, and there was a fair chance she was one of the two leaders. As a snarl vented from her clenched teeth at the sight of Adsila, Ace fought back one of his own, and instead lowered himself to the ground, keeping his eyes averted from her face and his tail down, almost starting to curl. She didn’t seem to be one of those wolves who took just anyone in, and he wanted to prove to her that both he and Adsila could be useful. But mainly, he just wanted her to be safe in a pack, so he wouldn’t worry over her safety.

When the pale tawny female spoke, it wasn’t in a kind tone, but neither was it in a hostile tone, just very protective. Just as Ace opened his jaws to speak, another scent caught his attention, and he looked up to see who or what it was. Another wolf padded up to the pale tawny female – whom was also lightly coloured – and gently nudged her; was he her mate? Made up of a pale ivory, the male’s coat was spotted with hairs of cinnamon and ebony, and a saddle of said colours along his spine. From the ivory male’s posture, he was most likely the other leader, and Ace quickly lowered his eyes again.

Clearing his throat softly, the Silver male made sure he was appropriately postured before speaking, hope in his voice.
“I am Ace Caravello, and this is Adsila Slayer. We have both travelled far from Dragonfly Fen where Pitch Pine Trail has disbanded. All we look for is a home and a family, both to care for us and to look after.” The scent of a pronghorn nearby – most likely dead - caught Ace’s attention briefly, and he turned his head to where it was coming from. Usually, he would have immediately eaten it, but it was in pack lands, and he wouldn’t steal from them, especially if he wanted to join. “I was a guardian in my previous pack, and if you’ll let me once I prove myself, I could protect the borders for you from wolves and other creatures that mean you harm.” He glanced at Adsila and met her gaze, a silent question in them. He nodded slightly before righting his head to stare at the ground upon which the two wolves stood upon.