For as long as he could remember, Kaertok had been an adventurous wolf. Granted, that "for as long as" didn't really last that long, but it was all he knew. When his family had uprooted from his birthplace, Malrok had been more excited than upset. And now, several months later, that same excitement arose when he began to see familiar landscapes.
The memories from his family's departure were faint and fleeting, but he remembered here and there. He could see the distinct peak of the mountain he had once called home, and he yearned for it. Steady, solid steps carried him toward Sawtooth Spire, which was still several hours away even at this pace.
Zephyr was doing what Zephyr did best: adventure. The massive ebony wolf walked with his usual bouncy, happy gait towards.... Well, who knows. He was, in his head, scoping out territory in his free time. If he wanted to be an alpha one day without usurping Sen and Depp, he would need his own lands! Of course that time was likely still a time away, but it was good to be prepared. He was nearing Sawtooth Spire, decently far from his own Sanctuary, but obviously not too worried about being away. It was normal for him to be gone for a day or two, but so far this was his furthest journey away from Seadog since he'd joined the dark alphas. A scent came to him, and immediately he wagged his tail. Perhaps he would make new friends? New friends meant the possibility of new wolves to follow him one day, could he make them see he was a fit leader.
Somebody approached, and Kaertok's ears swiveled in their direction. A black wolf, male by the scent of him, was nearing, and Kaertok stiffened with apprehension about this stranger. He was a black wolf with hints of bright white about him, and Kaertok was uncertain what to make of this stranger approaching him so openly and without any hesitation. Had he never learned the importance of not trusting somebody he did not know?
Kaertok stood frozen in his tracks, tense but neutral, and awaited the other wolf's reaction.
Zephyr was not a wolf to worry, not anymore.... At least that's what he told himself. He preferred to let others be the first to break the peace, and is open and friendly with everyone that gives him no reason not to. He is a respectful giant though, and does stop some distance away from the white male he's come across.
"Hello, the names Zephyr."
The large ebony male kept a neutral stance other than a warm smile and a wagging tail. So far, so good, but Zephyr made sure to keep his senses open for threats, from this wolf or others.
If it was Zephyr's intent to keep him at ease, it was having the opposite effect on Kaertok. His own instincts told him that this was just a front. A fallacy. A straight-up lie. The smile, the wag of the tail, and the ease of Zephyr's posture only made it worse. Kaertok's parents had taught him to trust noone, and the ones who acted like they could be trusted were to be trusted even less.
The boy's tail stiffened, his muscles tightened, and his ears flattened against his skull. Sungiwok's lip quivered, on the brink of showing his fangs to this stranger. Nevermind the fact that the stranger had introduced himself.
The big dark male tipped his head in confusion and mentally checked himself. He was in no way being dominant or aggressive, do why was this white male acting like so? He was being genuinely friendly.... Oh well. He'd take one more shot at it, but his grassy eyes dulled in sadness.
"I mean no harm. Of you'd rather me go now, I will."
He didn't change his posture but his tail did stop wagging, hanging neutral. His smile had faded long ago, and was now replaced by a confused look only described by "what the fuck man?". He was obviously not afraid of the smaller and younger male, but rather upset at the fact this wolf didn't want to befriend him. Zephyr needed to keep reminding himself that not everyone was like this, not everyone wanted to be a part of his family.
The other wolf seemed to suddenly change his tone, willing to leave if that was what Kaertok wished. And indeed it was. With a pointed look to the stranger and a thrust of his muzzle, the boy urged the black wolf to keep moving. Sungiwok was not interested in small talk or making friends with the locals. In fact, he wasn't even sure what he was interested in. He just knew this wasn't it.
Provided the darker wolf moved on, Kaertok would remain where he was and watch until the stranger was out of sight.