It had been during the hours of the afternoon when she had returned to the riverside to trek back towards the sea after sufficient explorations inland. She believed her travels had given her plenty to consider, and after a successful afternoon hunt, she felt it in her bones that it was time to return to the only place that managed to have the slightest of pulls on her -- the coastline, and its woodlands. With ease, she joined the riverbank and took to the familiar turf of the old redwood forests.

There, she let the last hours of daylight pass while she made her way through with a meandering, looping path. Here and there she would return to the river, but she remained indulgent in her reunion with the coast. Eventually, Ame reached the beach but she did not stay long. It was cold and windy without the cover of the trees, so she retreated again and then, feeling in decent spirits, she decided to head towards the Ridge.

By the time she arrived near their boundaries, the skies were darkening and streaked with the vivid colors of the sunsetl.

And so, she lifted her muzzle to the treetops and howled. Short, and not overly loud as it was uncharacteristic of her to summon anyone at all with her unused voice, but, she believed it would make do. After, she settled to wait as the day's light faded further by the moment. She wondered how the Ridge and its alpha had been while she had been busy roaming about.

When the note of her voice faded, she loitered and sniffed about just a reach away from the formal boundary marking. In doing so, she realized the utter absence of Akhlut's scent. It was not just that it was faded, or old.. no, it was gone and absent from this land. Ame's brows furrowed and almost, she considered turning to leave.

But a bark and the sound of pawsteps brought her focus back to here and kept her rooted in place. She stiffened and narrowed her eyes upon the wolf that appeared -- large, with a pelt of several colors, all smelling of the Ridge but not Akhlut (a notion she was still digesting). Only briefly did she catch sight of his eyes for their particular shade of orange caught her attention with ease, but she did not let her stare stay there so not to evoke any ire in him.

She appeared neutrally and quiet, with her manners well in the front of her mind, although her eyes were bright and hawkish even here. Mm, you have no reason to 'ma'am' me, she chuffed first and foremost. She thought it bizarre to call her by. Her preferred method of respectful words came with honorific suffixes, anyway, but none she knew of here spoke in them. I came to see Akhlut, honestly, but I smell he is... no longer here? The dark loner tilted her head, hoping he could shed some light upon this.

From what she had learned so far, Ridge wolves were generally a respectable bunch. He spoke in a way that said, yes, this is my home and I am at ease here, with a tone of respect and assurance that ought to inspire none to mess with him. Amekaze, as a loner, could appreciate this treatment as opposed to outright hostility. So long as she minded her manners, nothing ill should come her way..

She considered his words a moment, finding it to be in line with what she had come to realize about him. Not all could find it in them to provide a leaderless loner with respect, but she certainly did not question him when it worked in her favor and he eventually answered her with what she had started to suspect -- Akhlut was no longer here.

And instead, Pump sat at the helm. Another curious twist, Amekaze nodded thoughtfully and willed herself to not let the tiny hint of disappointment she felt at finding him gone show through. I had not seen him in a time, I wanted to see how he and his pack were, she replied simply. But it was no longer his pack. Still his creation, but how long could his influence last without him present?

Amekaze had not suspected him to be a wolf to abandon his pack, so she had to wonder if something had happened. Has he been gone long? And Pump, too, I know from a brief encounter once. I hope that her newly found alphaship is suiting her, the loner nodded, wishing her the best in her own way. Pump had seemed to be a level-headed being, despite the pack leaving her feeling out of place. Perhaps now that was being remedied with her at the top and her word being the one for all to follow.

Her lips turned to a small frown at feeling surprised that it had been a whole month. She then realized that it had been quite a time since she had seen him last. Now, there was a distinct chance that would be the final time she ever would.. not unless, by some unlikely turn of events, he was still in the general region. Well, I thank you for telling me what you know, she exhaled.

Yet after a second of inner angst over the news, she filed it away accordingly. It was much like Ariston, another wolf she had been vaguely fond of in her way of acquaintances. She was glad now that she had never had a chance to grow too attached to either of their presences.

Not necessarily, she replied. Or at this exact moment. I have more travels inland to do, though I have had an interest in the Ridge for a time, she said and creased her expression. Speaking with Akhlut and finding his alphaship steadied and strong could have persuaded her into joining up but instead she was met with news of his absence. Not to say she doubted Pump entirely, but it was another case much like Akhlut; she was a green leader, to Ame's understanding. Time would have to tell and she would need more one on one time with Pump to know for sure. Still, Ame appreciated this wolf's information. Even with the change in leadership, I hope that the pack fares well, she mentioned, unsure if he would reply with a clarification one way or another. I just do not know if my place is among your lot yet, Ame added cryptically.

Time would have to tell. Always, there would be a place in the back of her mind for the Ridge, even if she never did join them. On top of that, knowing that Pump led the pack would warrant a return visit regardless of what path her life took; Ame had been vaguely curious of the fluffy dark wolf, so seeing her again would not hurt her any.

I go by Ame, she supplied in response and noted his name in return. You are generous, but I am fine. Hunt for your fellows instead, she answered and gestured her nose into the Ridge. She was fine enough even if the truth may not have been the most whole. Lean, and not exactly at her ideal either, she understood it came with the lifestyle. After all, she did not intend to take up much of his time and effort. Mm, in any case, perhaps give Pump my regards? Congratulations on her leadership and the pack, as well.. Ame dipped her muzzle. I will likely visit again in time to come, but as I said, I have.. travels.. The loner gestured vaguely inland. Thus why she say it fit to at least pass along that much to Pump now, but soon she would be on her way to mull over what she had learned here.

He did not press her unnecessarily and let it pass, then returned to her the courtesies. She nodded. Likewise, Ame answered, for it was no lie; he seemed to be a good wolf, even just from this short meeting. If not Akhlut, he was not a bad face to have representing the Ridge here.

I thank you, the dark-furred loner said with a dip of her nose. Although her message was not massively important, she took solace in believing that he would sent it Pump's way. He seemed genuine in his words. I will be on my way now, then.. farewell, were her parting words as she turned, gave Gavriil one last nod, then loped off to consider her next move's details.