Sawtooth Spire Pita Republic

"Ah," he said aloud even as another wolf strode onto the scene. Wicked's hindquarters dropped to the ground and he maintained his unassertive posture. The newcomer said a strange word, causing the yearling's ear to flick, then the pair of leaders began to converse between themselves. He listened, a bit nonplussed at first, when he eventually realized they were bantering. His eyes narrowed slightly at the explanation behind his nickname, though he cracked a smile when he realized that even the Alpha hadn't escaped Nanuk's crude labels.

Taking the Beta female's advice to heart, Wicked glanced in the Alpha male's direction and said, "Good to meet you, Iqniq. It's actually Wicked," he shared with a casual roll of a lean white shoulder blade. "Sorry we haven't met sooner. Nanuk informed me of the trade requirements, so I've been staying near the borders." That wasn't the only reason, though he didn't think the other one would matter much to the leaders.

Without looking directly at Iqniq, Wicked studied him. He couldn't help but draw comparisons between his former Alpha and his new leader. He'd known Iqniq for all of four seconds and already Wicked much preferred him. So these new leaders were a bit primitive and rough around the edges. He could handle that. They had no reason to hate or abuse him and he wouldn't give them one either. Neither party would bring harm to the other. To the contrary, this was the beginning of a beautiful, symbiotic relationship.