Greyback walked on one of the patrol trails, his paws making soft 'thuds' in his wake, ears alert, and head held high with grand posture as he listened to the sounds around him. The man had always enjoyed walking the land, beholding the sights of the world. Ever since his acceptance of Easthollow he has been routinely walking the trails every dawn and dusk. It was only today that he arrived late due to coming back in the dead of night from his meeting with the Morningside wolf, Loir.
Stopping, Greyback noticed a small print within the dirt. Raising his brows, he bent down and sniffed at it lightly, instantly recognizing it as Steph's. He wouldn't be surprised if the young lady had been patrolling the grounds herself. Looking around, he followed her trail near the meadow and came upon her in the distance. Smiling, he neared closer, taking note that she was looking out.
"The sun greets you, Miss Steph." He welcomes, giving a small bow to her. "Do you mind if I join you?"
Greyback chuckled at Steph's greeting, his head leaning forward to press his nose against her forehead as part of the greeting before walking alongside her. It was nice seeing the yearling grow up, albeit he came late into the pack to see her early development; she was shaping to be a fine young leader.
"How are things?"
"Wonderful as always, Miss Steph," he replied in a cheery tone. It was indeed wonderful, the man had be thoroughly enjoying his life here. Easthollow had provided everything he ever wanted. "How are you bearing? You seem to be quite busy these days, care to tell me about your adventures?" Greyback cocked his head as he talked. He was excited to hear about what the quiet young wolf had to tell him.
Greyback was happy to hear the young wolf explain her increase in responsibilities around the pack, not that Steph was lazy, but he knew Valette could use all the help she could get. Especially since Stark was so sick and not able to attend to his duties. He made a mental note to go talk to her about Stark's condition later on.
"I told her I'd like to work my way up to Beta, "
Beta? Greyback looked down at Steph with a surprised expression, his eyes wide. Well, that unexpected. He never would of assumed that she would take after he mother. Steph seemed quiet and reserved, but perhaps in the future she would come out of that shell.
He smiled warmly down at her after a few seconds. If that is what she desired then who was he to deny her. "That's wonderful!" He exclaimed. "You will become a fine young Beta. Will your mother be training you?"
Greyback noticed Steph's disappointment as he she turned away and went silent. Uncertainty settled over him as he wondered what he did wrong. Was it his words, or perhaps was it his shocked expression? He came to a still and bowed his head, hoping to catch her attention. He knew the role of Beta was taxing on the mind, and it appeared no different for the small black wolf in front of him.
"Miss Steph, I am sorry if my actions were displeasing, it was never my intention to upset you, " His voice was gentle as he spoke to her. His ears pushed back, wondering if she would accept his apology. "Yes, I must admit I am shocked to hear your ambitions, but I am not cross, " He shook his head as he spoke, "But, I fully support you. I meant what I said." He gave her a smile, attempting to wash away that frown upon her face. Although the wolf was much younger than him, the man always thought of her as a friend.
Greyback felt guilty when Steph looked to the side, and not at him. Had his reaction hurt her so much? He stared openly at her, but kept his smile. He knew it was sometimes hard for youngsters to let go of their pain. In time perhaps Steph would forgive him, he could wait.
"Will you help me?"
Greyback was shocked once more by her words, but kept it under his smiling facade, not wanting to upset her more. Help her? He didn't know the first thing about being a Beta
"Mom wants me to take on a second trade. Namely, counselor, But... I feel my social skills have gotten off kilter"
Oh, that's what she meant. Greyback turned his head at that. He, too was trying to aim for the same trade, namely advisor, but had yet to acquire it since there were no other counselors within the pack. Was it even allowed for him to help her when he didn't have one himself? He pressed his tongue to his cheek and hummed. "Of course. I would gladly help you if you wanted, but... I have yet to acquire my Counselor trade as well. Am I allowed to help you despite having it?"
Though he had been around for a while, the male had yet to really dig into the ways of trades and specialties. It was all very new to him.
"I don't see why not, I don't help getting the trade, per se, I need help... Socializing."
Socializing? Greyback tipped his head to the side as Steph spoke. He knew she was rather quiet, but he didn't think she really needed much help with talking to others. Regardless, he couldn't turn her down since she asked. "Of course, Miss Steph, though I'll need to know what specifically you want to work on. Is it diplomatic talk? Formalities?" He continued forwards with their patrol, hoping she would follow him.
"I really don't think you need help with socializing among wolves your age...After all, I find our conversations quite pleasing," He looked over his shoulder to give a wink before turning back.
"I want to know more about my family, but I hate prying into their personal lives, if that makes any sense."
Greyback listened as Steph talked, he was glad she agreed with him on formal socializing, but was a bit surprised when she addressed her problems with personal conversations. Was Steph having trouble opening up and talking to others, especially her family? He glanced at her for a brief second, studying her face. He couldn't imagine how awkward that must be.
He opened his mouth to reply but was unsure of what to say. He was attempting to get a trade in counseling, but was still having difficulty at time knowing how to address others issues. Perhaps if they both asked each other questions she would open up. "Of course, Miss Steph. It makes perfect sense...I'm sure your family doesn't mind you asking questions. Don't underestimate the powerful tie families have, they would be honored to share their experiences with you," He gave her a smile in return.
"How about you ask me a personal question, and then I'll ask you one? It can be anything, I'll go first."
Curious, Greyback tried to figure out what Steph was thinking, his eyes roaming over her face. Was she feeling uneasy? He decided to be quiet, letting her think. Though, it wasn't until she spoke that he noticed she would rather ask first. He didn't mind at all. Anything to put the girl at ease.
"Speaking of family, do you have any outside Easthollow?"
Greyback froze, his brows furrowing together. He never would of anticipated her asking that type of question. Greyback disliked talking about his family very much. He was half tempted to change the subject, but that wouldn't be very fair to Steph. "I have my two kin, but we haven't conversed for almost 5 years," He replied. He was never close to his brother and sister, they had varying personalities. "I have also two daughters, but that's another conversation."
He turned to Steph, wondering if she would accept that as an answer. "What about you, Miss Steph? Do you have any family outside Easthollow?"
"But I guess that's a conversation for another time...I'm gonna go. See you later."
Greyback pinched his brows together at the young wolfs tone, her attitude starting to get to the man slightly. How had his words upset her this time? It seemed as if everything he spoke to her would set her off in due time. He was unsure of how to deal with her temper. He knew Steph didn't mean it, he wondered if it was because of her age, or perhaps the weight of proving herself to be a beta.
"S-," The first syllable of Steph's name caught in his throat as he tried to call after her, but he already knew that wasn't a good idea. It was best to let her blow off some steam and be alone for a while; he would talk to her another day.
With a sigh, he shook his head and turned around to continue paroling the border.