Silvertip Mountain Poke the bear

After watching the sun set for a little while, Phocion trotted deeper into the woods that lined the lower part of the mountain, stepping nimbly over fallen branches, barren of leaves. He had explored as much of this mountain as he could after being admitted into the pack, but there was territory yet to cover.

His pale fur provided poor camouflage in the dark forest, though it mattered not. He wasn't hiding from anyone, nor stalking prey, merely exploring.

His mind kept wandering back to his entrance exam into Silvertip. How poorly that had gone! He was so new to this, yet Phocion kept chiding himself for acting so foolish towards higher-ranking wolves. They could have chewed him up and spit him out without a word of warning. Yet they had decided to accept him, and for that, he was grateful.

He had yet to meet the alpha female, but he did know Steady. Now there was a wolf who hadn't had a great first impression of Phocion. He still remembered the snarl in Steady's voice at Phocion's disrespect, and shuddered in memory. Good, he remarked internally at the shiver. You're learning subordination.

As if summoned by his thoughts, the big dark form of Silvertip's beta wolf appeared before him, weaving sleepily through the trees. Phocion was loath to bother him, as he looked quite weary, but also did not want to awkwardly pass by without a word. Striding over to walk beside the wolf, he cocked his head and nodded in greeting. "Hello, Steady."