Though it was not his duty to recruit new members -yet-, Trick's job was to mark the borders and make sure the dad of little Tammy wasn't planning anything malicious. It was not because he cared about the bloody thing and his mother, nor because he was so damn cute, it was because of his desire to take over one day. He had also heard rumors of a new recruit becoming an alpha, and that only enraged him further. What was this Tavi thinking? Recruits had to prove themselves worthy just like any other, and Trick -despite his hard work, sacrifices and "good spirit", hadn't even been asked to be a beta! He growled at himself in annoyance. Never would he have imagined him missing Warbone.

As he was marking the borders, just like every old day, staring at the new life sprouting that was the same springy color as his eyes, a howl drove his head to swirl around to locate it. He snorted. Right, a new recruit again, but he could hear that the one calling wasn't calling the "more superior" ruler of the marauders. It was for the other "alpha", if you could call it that, and now he was really pissed off. Everything here was turning to shit without Warbone. Damn it, where was the brute when you needed him?!

Trick quickly trotted to the side of the borders where he thought the loner was, only to find out he was too late to meet the older, thin and sharp male. He was too late to hear the new "alpha's" words, and let a forced smile take over his handsome face. No one could tell it was faked, he made sure of that, and he took his place besides yet far from close to the female who now called herself a leader. He kept his tail lower than hers, yet higher than the loner at their borders, not knowing they were connected in any way. Good morning, m'lady, gentleman. He greeted with a nod to both wolves before him.

Had it not been for the fact he absolutely hated new recruits, and even despised the new leading female, perhaps he had taken kindly to their welcoming behavior. Why the older male was not even the least submitting pushed him further on edge, and he swallowed back his pride. He wondered how much longer he could hold this act of a gentle man up with all these foolish new faces coming along. Harlyn, or whatever her name was, did not deserve her spot. She had not proven anything and was almost as old as Trick's fucking grandma! He needed someone to discuss this with, or else he would go entirely bonkers before he even had the smallest chance of rising up in these ranks. He knew for sure too, that when times would begin to get hard here again, all these new faces would be fleeing. The fact they were at the time of the famine told enough; they had done the same to their former packs. Did Tavi truly not see how wrongly she was treating the REAL marauders? How wrongly she was treating the mighty Trick?!

Pleasure to meet you, sir Mordecai. He spoke in a sophisticated tone and the most charming of low hums. He was surprised Harharhar even remembered his name. Then again, how could one forget a name as mighty and simple as "Trick"? Warbone will be back to lead us. For now, he is still with us in the hearts of the true marauders. Trick spoke gently, as if he did not want to offend anyone, though he damn well meant to. He wanted to make them feel bad for taking the copper prince's spot as one of the superior. They did not belong here, not Harlyn, not Tavi, and none of these small little pups they had popped out. 

A gentle, quite innocent, smile appeared on the trickster's face, refusing to explode right there and then. The male was speaking as if he knew everything, Trick found, but at least his words were somewhat kind. It would never be enough to satisfy Wylie, of course, but it was a good start. There was something he felt needed to be said to the other though, a thing he meant. His body might be gone elsewhere, still alive and well, but his spirit will forever be bound to the willows. He spoke softly. 

His attention shifted to the female though, as she said something that made him curious. So Warbone knew these wolves? Then how were they such bad rulers? You thought so much talent and wit, the things Warbone of course had, would have rubbed off on the wolves around him. Still, he smiled the sweetest smile he could possible smile without it looking fake or forced. Aren't you both true marauders then? For I was referring to you as well. He lied. Everyone that sleeps in the Crook, walks between the willows Warbone has walked between himself, is and will forever be a true marauder. He lied again, though he found it a convincing story.

His ears perked up upon hearing his false name, and the information that followed was stored in his head. He smiled and dipped his head in understanding, actually bowing a bit for the pair. He would not let them suspect him, not until the already quite shaky ranks were finally tumbling down. I will not accompany you on the trip to the Crook, I still have to finish marking the borders. He announced with pride, hoping his efforts were appreciated. 

I won't hold you up for any longer now, your kids must be dying to see you again. The sentence was directed at the new male, who's name was apparently Mordecai. It was delightful meeting you, have a nice day. He bowed a small formal bow, before departing with a swish of his smooth obsidian tail.

~Trick oouutt~