Atlas, who had become adept at reading expressions and body language, could tell that the she-wolf felt uneasy and maybe even a little nervous. He knew it was because of him, as it usually was. Being an unexpressive male by training it was a little hard for him to let down his mask, and this blank façade tended to throw off others whom were used to those who were expressive. If he were being honest, he didn’t like to be the way he was, but his past had ensured that his poker face remained intact even when he didn’t quite want it to be.

Inali, he thought. His mental utterance of the scout’s name ensured that he commit it to memory, saving it for later meetings which he knew would come. Second in command, he knew, was a very high position. Basically it meant that if one of the leaders, mainly Minka because she was of the same gender as Inali, were killed or went missing for a certain period of time they would rise to take their position. By the way she held herself it didn’t indicate that type of power to Atlas, all he saw was a friendly pack-mate who was going to converse with a fellow pack-mate. This confused him greatly, as even Minka held herself in a way that hinted at her leadership and most other wolves in higher positions did the same. Already, the tawny she-wolf was intriguing the young male.

The young one slipped in one ear and out the other to him. While most would have been offended he didn’t particularly find a care in the phrase, as he knew he was young in the eyes of others and would be for some time. “I’m Atlas, it’s a pleasure to meet you Inali.” This time his voice held a slightly friendlier note as he tried to seem more welcoming, hoping it could be detected despite the subtly of it.

In all honesty, Inali somewhat reminded Atlas of a pup. She was…springy if that was the correct term to use and it seemed fitting. Her energy level and pep was off the charts, and it was something he wasn’t used to. He shifted awkwardly, moving his paws in a shuffle but remaining eye contact with the she wolf. Her eyes danced with joy at his reply, and he wondered why someone would get so excited at such a simple gesture. Something in her tone suggested something of an accomplishment, and he considered the fact that she had before said something about knowing that he didn’t talk much. Maybe she thought that she was making a huge milestone in his communication skills?

While Atlas didn’t talk much, which was really only because he rarely approached anyone, he still could hold a decent conversation. If he was approached he would speak, but almost only if spoken to. This was something that had been ingrained into him long before he had joined Black Thorn Downs and would most likely stay there for a while after.

What brought you to Black Thorn Downs(…)? This question was something he was unprepared for, but at the same time he had known it was coming. Being new, it would probably be a standard question from the new wolves that he would still yet meet which was rather understandable. There were many things that had brought Atlas to his new home, losing his previous one being one of them. Many aspects of his past he didn’t want to discuss with anyone because he rarely came to terms with them himself, and some of them were too harsh to say out loud. It definitely wasn’t a topic to delve into on the first talk, so he decided to reply with something that just skimmed the top of the pool. “I had nowhere else to go, and I needed a fresh start. ” He replied appropriately. It wasn’t a lie, but it also didn’t cover even half of what could be said. Knowing that he wasn’t attributing much to the conversation, he swallowed some courage and asked a question himself. “This is a new pack, isn’t it?”

Atlas had hit a sore spot, as he always managed to do. For a male who didn’t speak much, he certainly could make things even more awkward. His calculating darkened auburn gaze took in her shifting form and drooping shoulders, showing that she was rather uncomfortable with the subject. Her explanation held some points that he himself could relate to, but only to an extent. The tone of her voice suggested there were others things that had transpired between this Whisper Caverns pack, his leaders, and the woman in front of him. However, he had learned a long time ago and even recently to not meddle into the affairs of those who didn’t want to talk about it. It only got him hurt looks and guilty feelings. While he loved knowledge, it wasn’t worth losing a new friend and offending someone. A simple nod bobbed his large head in acknowledgment at her request to end the topic, agreeing with it completely.

However, he stopped at her inquiry at what interested him. The young one comment went in one ear and out the other to him, as that was the least of his worry at that moment. It was his turn to feel a bit uneasy and he lifted a paw, and then placed it back on the ground after a moment as he thought. His expression remained neutral the whole time, as he’d so dutifully been taught to maintain even in the toughest of times. What interested him…there were many things that interested him. Combat, strategy, winning. Then he paused. Those things weren’t his interests, it occurred to him. They were the interests he was supposed to have, the interests he’d been taught since four months of age. They had been drilled into his mind like mind control, and now being away from the cause was slowly giving him more and more free will of thought. No, he did not like fighting. In fact, he thought himself much of a pacifist. He enjoyed knowledge and travel, he enjoyed listening and retaining information because it was something he was good at. With his barrel-like chest and powerful body he was able to cover long distances in shorter amounts of time, with brief stops for rest. Maybe with these characteristics he wasn’t meant to be the warrior he’d thought he had to be. Maybe now he could be something more, something that suited him and not his father’s image.

“I used to think that I liked fighting and protecting, but now I’m not so sure. I know I like to learn, and I retain information well. I have a decent amount of endurance, but I’m not sure where that can fit in anywhere.” He replied after a few moments pause.