She's been by again... the timberwolf thought to himself, picking up the female's scent just outside the border. It had never crossed inside of the boundary line, and didn't seem all that hostile, so Xhilrian would tolerate it and eventually ignore it if it continued. Unlike some alphas he had met, he didn't mind a little friendly company as long as it remained friendly.

He walked as quietly as he could around the border, stopping every so often to refresh a scent marking or check the scent and sound of the forest. With winter coming, the pack's usual prey was already starting to hibernate. This was unfortunate, but a good sign. That meant that unusual prey would be wandering into the forest, such as elk and caribou. The pack would be a bit underfed for a little while, but then the real hunting would begin.

Xhilrian stopped and looked up at the sky, which was lightly dumping white powder. Winter's one drawback... He didn't mind extreme temperatures. His thick pelt protected him from the cold as long as he didn't get himself wet, and if the temperatures weren't insane. It was the snow that he hated. It build up in every meadow, every uncovered patch, and was the perfect way to freeze his paw pads until they cracked and bled.

He turned himself around, starting to head deeper into the woods to get back to Alvetra's camp. He had checked the borders and was eager to get back to his sheltered den. Then he heard it. It didn't come entirely by suprise, he had almost been expecting it, just not so soon. He threw his bead back to tell his beta to remain in camp and started off towards the sound of the howl at a steady pace.

Xhilrian came across another timberwolf and, as expected, recognized the scent. He looked her up and down for a moment and even went so far as to circle her. She doesn't seem like the one to pick an unnessicary fight with. He stopped in front of her, glancing for a second at the white bumdle at her paws. What is your name, and your business here? he asked.

oocness// The re-done version is never as good as the original I find because you're thinking "Oh damn! I just erased 5 minutes of work!" and scramble to quickly re-do it. That's what happens to me anyway.
I liked it though.

Xhilrian cocked his head to the side. Sure, he had seen wolves flip onto their back, but it was always after he had fought a defiant wolf and made them do it. He had never seen anything just roll over. Maybe I frightened her? He took a few more steps and stopped beside her. The alpha bent his front end down and started nudging her side with him nose. On your paws, you don't want to fall ill. he said gently, standing back up.

Greeting Ashliya. I am Xhilrian, Alvetra's alpha male. He considered her request. We always have room for more wolves. Xhilrian looked back at the rabbit. There's a young mother who would be glad to accept your offering. Anything is appreciated. he said, nudging the rabbit.

Xhilrian gave the female a small smile. I never much liked it. Too complicated. Ashliys's much easier to remember. He turned towards the direction camp was in. I'll take you to camp then I can give you a tour of the territory if you like. he said gently, beginning to walk . He stopped, waiting until he was sure she was following, then began again, this time without slowing or stopping. I probably shouldn't try speaking to her until she doesn't have her mouth full.

It didn't take long to make it to camp, the pair had been at the border closest to camp. This way. he said, leading the female towards one of the nearest dens. He poked his head inside of it. Artica? He asked quietly. I don't know where she is. Probably teaching my sisters to hunt. a small, fearful voice replied. Alright. He turned his head to look at Ashliya. That's Lunis, my... daughter. he explained, poking a paw inside the den to indicate the nervous pup. She retreated to a far corner of the den, as though she expected her father to fly at her and rip her to pieces.

You can leave the rabbit here, her mother will get to it when she gets back. He told Ashliya, looking over at the silver pup again. What the hell did Artica do to make her that timid, thrash her regularly? Xhilrian wondered, turning his full attention back to the other female. Shall we explore the territory or would you like to rest up a bit first? he asked.

Xhilrian watched the female hop around, now with a look of amusement.There isn't one. he said quietly, loking over at the silver pup. There was a sort of... misunderstanding between her mother and myself. He began visualizing the territory in his head, deciding which place was the best one to start with. I suppose we could race to the river. It's easy to find. He figured it would be best to think of all Avetra's landmarks as a list of items on a hunt. Ashliya seemed playful, it may be best to humor her. He gave his tail a gentle, encouraging wag. This is going to be a long day...