The snow had finally come -- he had known it would, but when the first blizzard occurred, a sensation of panic had gripped the regal male, and he had huddled his children to the safety of the den, desperate to wait it out. Kyros' death was still a raw wound upon his heart -- the lifeless body he had carried down the red mountains to lay in rest at Magnolia Glen.. now abandoned. A cringe surpassed him -- he had left his little boy behind.. now one with the earth. Somehow, after burying his first born son, he was still able to breath as each day passed.

No parent should ever have to bury their child.

While the blizzard had eventually tapered off, Phineas was relieved when no other had come back once more. Last winter, there would be multiple as the weeks passed -- the days would bleed in to one another as a world of white and confusion and starvation. He prayed that this year would be different, for a wolf with arctic heritage such as himself should not have feared the snow so much.

The day today found him moving along the creek edge -- it was smaller than cold water creek, and yet it reminded him of their old home. Come spring, he knew it would bring the Plateau to life with gurgling waters.. but for now, it slept, much like the rest of the world when winter fell upon it.

His eyes fell upon another he did not recognize by sight, though the scent had certainly caught his attention. Aesire had proven a capable partner, and the pack had even grown with her accepting a member. Uttering a low bark to gain the attention of the other, the ivory male displayed his dominance without question -- waiting to see if it would be challenged by the new testosterone of his ranks. Offering a nod as he closed the gap between himself and the stranger, his orange eyes fell upon the other's cheek. So you're the new scent I've come upon within my pack, he murmured, waiting to see what reaction awaited him.

He had certainly expected a reaction from the stranger, but not the one he received -- the red wolf was quick on his paws, lowering himself to an acceptable position.. and then proceeded to offer his absolute services. Taken aback, Phineas remained mid-step, one paw hovering almost comically in the air as he considered the rather drastic introduction. Of course, there would have been the time when the Argyris man would have certainly taken advantage of such a request for his own amusement -- he could send the boy off to do a rather useless errand.. a prank of sorts. But he also wanted to maintain a good impression, and such antics were past him.. at least for the winter.

No, I simply wanted to meet you, he offered then, flashing the wolf before him a hesitant smile that did not quite reach his eyes. Cold and aloof, Phineas' distant tendencies had only doubled since the abandonment of Borlla and his unease with Desdemona living within his lands. He was still contemplating what to do with the ivory she-wolf.. though he quietly hoped she would simply grow bored of her game and slink off to whatever hole she had emerged from.

Phineas Argyris, founder of Silent Moon Plateau. Aesire might have been his partner in terms of rank, but this home had been born of his need for change and his efforts. Even when time passed and he either chose to step down, or another, more youthful male challenged him and won, he would at least hold that title. Are you settling well?

The russet wolf was certainly an eager one to please, and while it was awkward.. it would certainly prove to be useful when required. Phineas was a wolf of little words, and so he did not return anymore 'niceties' of sorts, instead, he allowed the conversation to flow to the next topic.. his daughter.

Of course, the mention of Celandine's name gained his rapt attention, and his fiery eyes would sweep over the male with a quick assessment of intention. He believed it to be nothing but pure, and the Argyris patriarch allowed a small smile to pull upon his lips once more. It was good to know at least one of his children were not keeping too themselves after the changes that had interrupted their life so swiftly. The more positive influence the better, he murmured with his own consent, taking the opportunity then to settle his haunches to the winter kissed ground.

Her mother left them at a more tender age, so it's good to hear she is socializing with the other members of the pack that aren't as familiar, he finally offered as insight, knowing the story of Borlla would eventually seep out somehow. It might as well at least by his word over any gossip that could potentially form -- though he did not believe the few that did know would place anything but the truth of the tale upon it. Ace and Hypatia and the pups were all that remained of a Magnolia Glen that had Borlla at its helm -- day by day, the hold she had on them all seemed to fade a bit more.

His privacy was important to him, and he appreciated more than anything when the other man accepted the small tidbit of insight, and rather than attempt to delve further or dig deeper, allowed the subject to drift elsewhere. To understand what had happened to Celandine and her siblings was certainly something to note -- but to freshen healing wounds would do no good for any of the family.

Allowing his gaze to drift to the frozen waters, the Argyris' ear twitched at te next statement in silent acknowledgement that his attention was still upon the newer Plateau wolf, even if his eyes might not have been. And what role is that? Phineas has never been one to offer roles so freely -- they had to be earned amongst his ranks, especially given that he felt it important that each member contribute to anything and everything. He was uncertain of how Aesire felt on the matter, but it worried him little. They would soon hit a stride of their own in time, of this he was sure.

Only a few wolves had maintained their loyalty to the Argyris pack to gain a title -- Zia having been one f them. He had heard nothing of the silver female's whereabouts, and after her boastful display of ego and dominance, he found himself questioning it less with each passing day. He had cared for the female greatly.. but it occurred to him that perhaps she was not who he had thought her to be, and in the end, it might have been best they had parted ways.

The man had expressed his desire earlier about teaching, and so when he reminded the older leader of this gently, the Argyris could barely contain a small smirk at his own forgetfulness. While six years was still in an age of prime, he was certainly nearing the end of it. The day that came, he was uncertain how he would react - would he simply hand his crown down to the next in line, or would he wait for another to challenge his aging bones?

It would seem Heigen's plan was very much set in a very specific course -- he wanted a specialty within his rank, and if he proved himself enough, it would be easy to obtain. The males within the Plateau were few, and Tannis' presence was more of a silent shadow than a force to be reckoned with. I do not give roles if I believe they are not deserved, he finally offered, his gaze drifting back to study his more youthful companion. I also do not withhold and deny those that have earned them. If you prove to me you are capable of teaching my children, and the Plateau's future children, the title will be granted. From there, we can discuss a Disciplinarian. There was a small pause as he rolled his shoulders back, feeling the ache of his fatigued muscles when doing so. I also don't hold my members back from climbing the ranks -- Plateau wolves sort out their own hierarchy -- if you wish to move up, I believe that's something you need to take up with the more elusive Tannis.