It had been some time since the cowboy ventured past the invisible borders of his home. Ever since the quakes, Kaistleoki had needed him more than ever with the pack keeping him from mapping the nearby lands. As of late, their new borders had finally strengthened enough that he did not fear to leave those at home without his aid, not that he was much of a fighter anyway.
The cowboy huffed as he reached the top of the nearby mountain range, a place he had been once before long ago. Tobias remembered a nice viewpoint not far from the peaks that divided the land, but now that the river had suffered there was a chance other places had too. The only way to really know was to venture out and remap the world around them.
Taking a moment to rest, green eyes shifted to spot a figure of soft lavender grey hues, marked with dusty patches. Looks like ya beat me up, huh?
He breathed a laugh before moving closer. He did not scent others nearby so this was not newly claimed land, nor was this wolf with a pack, or at least he assumed.
He waited, catching his breath as his gaze turned to the view below. I'm a traveler, but the pack I reside in currently does claim land near here.
He gestured with his muzzle to the plains below. From here you could not see the dots of those who resided, but the plains were clear enough. The large plains down there. We used to be by the forest, but the quakes caused us to temporarily relocate.
Tobias glanced back to see if she drew closer. Surely making out the terrain below was easy enough, there was no real reason to get too close to the edge. What about you? What brings you out here, its mighty chilly this time of year for sight seein'
Before?
There were many befores as the man never truly had a permanent home. For Kaistleoki it was the woods over yonder, had a nice river and everythin' for me? All over darlin'
He waited patiently as the woman explained herself. He wasn't aware of a pack here, although he knew a few that claimed lands nearby. If she was looking for a place to stay, surely there was room for her in the plains.
Ah, I see. Perhaps you found your home then, yeah? We lost half our numbers after our relocation so there's plenty of room for a hardworkin' individual. We're a lil shabby right now, but it's a nice group. You get what you put in if you know what I mean?
Food was scarce and probably the main concern, but lately, the rabbits and birds were becoming a familiar sight. Perhaps their struggles would be over soon.
Ah so she was interested. A grin spread across his maw as he gestured down the mountain. I'll take ya down then. M'name's Tobias, but many just call me Tobi and the pleasure is all mine darlin'.
Knowing she would likely follow, the cowboy took the first few steps down the slope he had just climbed.
So where are you from, Ms. Kinaiver.
During this whole exchange he had talked an awful lot, but he never gave the woman a chance to tell her story. If there was one thing he was after it was stories.
The timberman nodded as Soleil insisted that just her name was fine. He shouldn't be too surprised, most seemed to insist formalities were not required here. Better safe than sorry though, some wolves you do not want to cross with the wrong formalities. I'd disagree— every story is important, maybe not to you, but stories weave. You could play a large part in someone else's.
Tobias flashed a smile as he turned to look back to the path. All around and then some. I was born in some mountains far from here. Nice place, but I never could sit still. I wanted to see the world so I left. Been in more packs than I can count. I suppose you could say I'm lookin' for the right home, all are nice, just not quite home if you know what I mean?
taking this as before Ira's meeting
Exactly!
There was nothing wrong with the packs he had visited, he just never felt content and eventually would find it his time to move on. The cowboy tipped his head to the side as he trotted, a mental image of each face running through his head before responding, I haven't run into any bad wolves at the very least. Some are a tad shy I fear, but the Count tries to treat each member like his family. Speedy is a sweet lady, she's our healer and only mother currently.
For a moment he wondered if anyone would bear kids this spring, but truthfully he had not seen anyone making heart eyes. It would be unfortunate if they were pupless, kids were always the best ears for stories.
wrap up here?
I'm sure you will. We are not the largest pack so meeting each member isn't too hard.
He'd soon fall silent as he focused on making his way down, the snow acting as an extra obstacle along the slippery slopes. He would take it slowly ensuring the woman made her way down safely so he could introduce the new member to one of the leading figures or show her around the territory.