The crisp breeze of the Canadian wilds were feeling a bit warmer this morning. Come to think of it, the plush elk pelt Vito had made his place of solitude last night wasn't near as comfy as it had been either. Something was off. The Eastern wolf curled multiple disgruntled folds across his marred muzzle before the slightest crack of vision was allowed to inspect what he was beginning to understand. Yep; this wasn't where he had laid to rest the night prior. A part of the male simply wanted to go back to sleep and wish this place away, but the act would be fruitless and, worse, counterproductive to making new trade routes. Thus, with an exasperated sigh fit for the lips of a king rolling lazily off a throne, Vito took the new ground beneath his paws.
With a fully alert mind and clear gaze the place wasn't so unwelcoming. A bit warmer than he'd like, yes, but not bad. He was quick to take in the foreign sights and smells as he passed them by on his casual stroll around the nearby forest. It thought it best to stick nearby for now. Afterall, time and opportunity would surely bring him other places beyond what was to be his new abode.
The stranger's trail, a little stale at first from the night before, leads Zephyr into a forest he remembers too well, slowing his steps as the memories rush over him. For a few moments, he forgets his purpose, eyes wide and trailing around the scene with a hazy cast to them. Helios had liked this place, he remembers, and the thought makes him nauseous. He pushes it aside. Focus.
A second later, he starts again, pressing forward to follow the strengthening scent of a lone male — fresh now, and full of promise. A wanderer, he hopes, and not someone looking to stake a claim here; ideally someone strong, if he can recruit him. Unfortunately, he isn't certain what to make of the pale wolf he eventually spots between the trees. He seems pretty... average looking. Zephyr pauses, hesitating — but eventually, he reminds himself that Whittaker hadn't seemed like the most impressive creature at first either, and he'd turned out worthwhile (by his own unashamedly-biased standards). It's worth a shot, at least. Hey,
He calls, starting his approach again. You staying here, or passing through?
The scent of maple and the sweet sap of the trees bearing the same namesake were a new experience for the foreigner. It was nicer than the sharper musk carried by the pines of his homeland and Vito would surely be remiss not to slow his gait and take it in. He could imagine the sweet nectar against his tongue while he lounged on heaps of the finest skins; perhaps a few females keeping him warm and sated too. It was a thought that beckoned a smile to etch across his coal-colored lips.
Alas, stuck in the daydream as he was, Vito did not notice the approach of another until spoken words broke his bliss. Well hello, friend.
A voice greeted in turn with a purposeful friendly tone and equally welcoming disposition. First impressions were very important, of course. Every new face was a new potential customer after all. These bridges didn't build themselves. Staying? Oh no, not me. I'm simply 'passing through' as you put it. New to the area I'm afraid.
Speaking of which, now that Vito was able to get a good look at his fellow wolf (and better yet smell), it was a bit of an unexpected surprise. Clearly this stranger was a biological female, yet they did not carry themselves in such a manner. In all honesty the Eastern wolf would never understand these types of creatures, but his own conceited view of the world had no place during business hours.
The foreigner presented the ghostly specter with his best crooked grin as he continued, And yourself? In search of something, maybe?