He slips away in the early hours of the morning, departure marked by a conflicting mix of emotions; he doesn't want to leave. He just— needs to. A sense of obligation tethers him to the territories nearest Broken Boulder, but he feels guilty nonetheless.
If he felt up to it, he'd hunt or collect herbs or something useful to excuse his absence, but he doesn't. He wanders through the valley aimlessly instead. Already he misses the safety of his den, but the agitation that had driven him past the borders still hasn't abated— to go back now would feel like drowning, he thinks.
A chuff startles him, and he spots a tiny figure not far off. He doesn't hesitate to approach, noting as he draws closer that the stranger is female, wrapped in sandy tones— her eyes give him pause. He's always been a sucker for pretty eyes, and while he's not really into women, he can't help but admire for a moment. She's pretty overall, and at first glance reminds him of Thelxiope; the fur color, the serene sort of aura.
He notices the scent of pups on her, but an absence of pack-scent; it's odd, but he knows it's not unheard of. Hi,
He offers, realizing at that moment he has nothing else to say that isn't intrusive or dull. Well— intrusive it is. Are you traveling?
The answer is... close to what he expected, but the phrasing gives him pause. Still, he's inclined to offer whatever he can— even if it makes him a little late returning home. Oh— is it far? Maybe I can help,
He offers, glancing briefly behind her just in case the sister and children she spoke of are lurking near. My pack isn't far from here— we can offer food and shelter if you need it.
He freezes when he hears his pack's name from the unfamiliar woman's lips, but the shock passes quickly enough. I run the Sanctuary,
He clarifies, not unkindly, but he's too confused for proper manners at the moment. I mean, I'm the Governor— who ar—
There's a creeping suspicion in the back of his mind, and normally he might dismiss it but he still recalls all the visitors who had come to the borders for—
You're coming to see Delight, aren't you?
He can't help the note of defeat to his tone, but it's muted and without resentment. Kids, too— shit, are they hoping to stay? He's not against it, but he might have liked some warning, and maybe he's not the most enthusiastic about making a common theme of Delight bringing unexpected children into his life, however indirectly.
wrapping this up!
Well, shit. He takes a breath, pausing a moment to process all she's said, then nods slowly. I'm sorry for all that you've suffered — there's plenty of room at the Sanctuary, and it's safe there. You and your family are welcome to stay as long as you need.
He glances behind her again. I can take you there.
And he does — after he meets Olive and a third woman, and of course gets stuck carrying the squirmiest child ever