His focus remained on those of dominance, as Avella gave her well-spoken answer.
![[Image: 2zvAVMd.png]](https://i.imgur.com/2zvAVMd.png)
The name of the pack the woman said she was creating rang a bell within the Vuesain's head. The Ridge had been a longtime neighbor to the Fallen Tree Cove when his parents lived along the mountain. They had been a fierce pack, though he was not sure of the relationship the two packs had. Avella was offering a friendship between the two packs this time. This Willow Ridge if they were settling in the same location would make them the closest neighboring pack to the Cove, so the relationship between the two mattered. And it seemed his wife agreed as she silently nudged against his shoulder in support.
"I appreciate what you are offering, the Cove is always friendly to their neighbors, and we look forward to the Ridge doing the same." Aleister was happy they were not being forward and asking immediately for an alliance as that was something the Vuesain believed came with time and trust, not words. "Were you from the original Willow Ridge?" He couldn't help but wonder if she was merely a descendant recreating something she grew up listening to or if she was truly born beneath the willows.
At her words, the Vuesain nodded in the future leader's direction hoping her words held weight. She seemed genuine and truthful, but in time the Cove would see for themselves how the Willow wolves will treat their neighbors. At least this was a step in the right direction and made his doubts push towards the edges of his thoughts.
She confirmed his inquiry with an explanation on when they lived within the Lore. "That was a tough year, definitely. I was born with Fallen Tree Cove nearby where we are now on the Lake." Aleister was led to wonder if she would have any knowledge of his birthpack.
Nodding in understanding of her words, the Vuesain was simply content in the knowledge that she was born in the Lore like he and his mate were. Which isn't too common for anyone else residing outside of the Cove. It was refreshing to have a future leader be one from the Lore as well.
"Well, I give you my best wishes in the Willows and I'll be looking forward to hearing from you in the future," the leader spoke before giving the pair a polite nod. "You both are more than welcome to rest within the Cove before traveling home," he offeres with a quirked brow.