Steady was snoozing in the clearing of he and Adeline's den, watching her play and chase various bugs. It was a nice past time, to be able to watch her, though sometimes it brought about melancholy feelings. He missed Odette, Stoic, and Solemn. He was thankful he knew Odette was at least safe, even if she didn't want to come home; but he worried about Stoic often and wondered if he had ended up with another pack like his sister had. 

A summoning howl interrupted his thoughts, and Steady stood. After telling Adeline to remain in the clearing, he trotted off in search of the caller. Since he and Shalon's first meeting had been all talking, he didn't know what her howl sounded like. So, he was surprise, but happily so, to see her. Ezekiel had gotten here first, and Steady wagged his tail as he greeted Ezekiel with a smile and nod. Steady had not heard his grumpy-like greeting, probably thankfully so.

He turned his gaze to the familiar female, giving her a smile, as well. Shalon, welcome! What brings you here? Other than, you know, his invitation. 

It seemed she had found a pack. He was happy for her, knowing she had a lot to offer them. He was about to ask where they were located, when Ezekiel took the words out of his mouth. He gave a slight smile to himself, finding it humorous that he and his friend seemed to have the same thoughts. He did wonder if he had heard of Shalon's pack yet. Probably not, since they were newer, but at least he might know now. 

Would you like a tour of the Mountain? he asked, feeling he knew her well enough to allow her entry. Besides, Ezekiel was here, so if anything happened, he had backup. But, he was sure everything would go pleasantly. 

He listened intently as she spoke of her new pack, nodding that he understood. Sounds regal, he said with a smile. He didn’t really know where Golden Glad was, but with so many of his pack going for the Scouting trade, he didn’t have any doubt he would soon know about all of Teekon Wilds, without even have left home. He counted that as a big advantage.

She accepted his offer of a tour, and Steady smiled, turning to Ezekiel, expecting to see somewhat of the same reaction. What he got, however, was an open mouth, albeit silent. Steady waited, but Ezekiel didn’t see to have anything to say. His friend got up, letting the moment pass, and Steady took that as an acceptance of what was going on. He motioned towards the both of them to follow. Have you ever lived on a mountain before? he asked Shalon as they walked. He steered the group inward of the border, but not directly, choosing instead to head towards the river. It would be in the territory, but he wasn’t pushing it and taking her into the heart of the territory. After all, that’s where Adeline was, so he thought, and since Shalon wasn’t interested in joining, he simply couldn’t give her that much leeway.

Ezekiel was quiet as they walked, and Steady wondered why his Gamma didn't get more in on the conversation. He did know his friend was the strong, silent type, but hoped he would get a little more comfortable as the days went on. But, this certainly wasn't an everyday occurrence that a non-pack member got the privilege of being escorted through some of the territory. Steady was a trusting soul, but thought himself a good judge of character. He trusted their visitor, as it wasn't their first meeting, and he hoped Ezekiel realized that.

Shalon spoke of her mother, and Steady glanced to her. Did she grow up here in the Wilds? he asked. He remembered Shalon hadn't been here that long when they first met, but didn't get her history beyond that, as they spoke of more present matters. 

As the trio walked, Steady listened to Shalon's story about where she and her mother grew up. You didn't move onto the mountain ever? he asked. He thought it interesting that she had been born at the base of the mountain her mother grew up on, and not on the mountain itself.

They approached the cave Steady wanted to show her and Steady stepped into it. This is Glass Cave, he said. The base of the cave had shallow pools of water, and the day's sunlight shown upon them, reflecting the light onto the crystals that jutted out from the sides and top of the cave. The different shapes and sides of the crystals created a rainbow of colors that shown onto the plant life inside. Steady looked to Shalon to see her reaction. It wasn't a cave Steady had ever seen before coming here, and he assumed Shalon hand't either.

The mood surrounding them changed, and with it, Steady. He stopped in his tracks at her clipped tone, his ears pressed forward as his body instinctively moved from his friendly stature to one displaying his rank. Her gaze towards him did nothing to help this situation, either. Shalon, you are a guest here, and as such, you have no right to speak to me in that tone, or look at me in any kind of disrespectful manner. If you'd like to continue this tour, I suggest you change it, and now. It was obvious to Steady now that he had been overly friendly to the girl, and possibly over stepped his questions with her. If I asked too much, you need only say so, respectfully. His tone was stern, but not aggressive. 

He would not move from his spot until he was satisfied with her attitude. This was certainly a teaching moment for Steady, and in the future, he would be sure to refrain from inviting anyone into his packlands that he didn't know very well. He did know Shalon could have an attitude problem, as he known about her run-in with the other wolf who she felt had invaded her territory. The tables were somewhat turned now- she was in Steady's territory, and he had back up. 

The guest's demeanor changed, and so did Steady's especially with her apology. The Alpha looked back to Ezekiel, taking in his words and his opinion. Maybe the tour was over, and it seemed Shalon agreed. The tensions were too high now to enjoy it anymore anyways. His gaze turned back to the female. I understand about not wanting to talk about your past, and I apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable about it. 

Let's head back to the border, he said. He turned to leave, making sure that the other two were following before he headed out. He almost felt bad about his reaction to her, but he wouldn't let himself quite get there. As Alpha, he had earned his respect, both from his family, and from strangers who came to their borders, or, in Shalon's case, friends he allowed to come inside. While their tour had come to abrupt end, Steady harbored no ill feelings toward Shalon.

Steady would harbor any ill will towards Shalon, and he nodded at her idea. Absolutely. I think that's a good idea, he said, offering her a soft smile. The meeting and tour may have been over, but Steady didn't feel the friendship, or possibility of an alliance, was. 

They reached the borders, and Steady paused at them, looking to Shalon. I know this wasn't as... smooth as we both hoped, but I'm still glad you came,  he said honestly. Have a safe trip back home, he added.