Steady took a break from border patrol, figuring the other wolves were doing a good job of securing it. He thought often about the wolves he now called family and how close they had become in such a short time. While he was closer with some more than others, he would protect them all as if his life depended on it. 

There was one in particular who was on his mind today. @Valette had been with them a few weeks now, but she still seemed a little distance. He knew there was an adjustment period when a wolf enter a new pack, but he wanted her to feel at home here. So, he sought her out, raising his muzzle and howled for her.

She came quickly, seemingly wasting no time. She made no qualms about being submissive, even as his own body was relaxed and friendly, his tail wagging when she came into view. He touched his muzzle to hers in a friendly gesture, hoping it would help her relax.  He sat back on his haunches. You can relax, this is a friendly call, he said, his voice easy.  

I just wanted to see how you were doing, he added. He didn't want to come right out and accuse her of being distant, as he knew that wouldn't help at all. But, maybe if she had reservations about the pack, he might be able to bring them out of her and ease her mind. He had no idea of how she lived in her other pack, and hadn't even thought to ask.

He almost hated that she looked surprised that he was checking in on her. While he knew other packs had different dynamics, did no one care enough to stop and look in on each other? Steady didn't think himself better than the next wolf, but there were things like this that he couldn't fathom not doing, especially knowing Valette was avoiding pack life not too long ago. 

She said she was doing fine, and was socializing with some of the wolves here. Most of them are pretty chill. They're not very dominant... Well, except me, he joked, grinning, trying to lighten the mood a bit. I don't know anyone that would want you away, to be honest. Ezekiel might come off quiet at first, but give him a little time and he'll open up. The others are pretty outgoing and friendly, he explained. Unless, of course, there was something he didn't know. But, he couldn't imagine any wolf being snide to another, unless he counted the Anita and Ezekiel rivalry. 

Valette assured him that Ezekiel hadn't been like that at all during their first meeting, and he was surprised to find that he was even nice to Anita, giving her his fish since she hadn't caught one. He hadn't expected that at all, but maybe Ezekiel was coming around to Anita, or maybe Anita had lightened up on Ezekiel. Or, maybe both. His hopes were raising that the two would get along well, and he wouldn't need to worry about it any longer. I'm glad to hear their dynamic is changing.

His expression turned thoughtful when she asked about places he might want to know about, or messages he'd like delivered. You should go for whichever you want. I'd be happy with either, he replied. He'd like his pack mates to go for the trades they wanted to have, not the ones he wanted them to have. Otherwise, he didn't think they would be happy. I don't really know anything about Snowforest Taiga, if you'd like to explore there, he suggested.

He saw the surprise on her face, and assumed it was because he didn't know the area. I just haven't gotten around over there, he said, trying to defend himself, and gave her a half smile. He was a homebody, and didn't like leaving very often, or for long periods of time. So, it was very positive in his eyes that she wanted to.

But, her looked changed, and he couldn't gauge what it meant. She turned, explaining she should go. Steady tried to backpedal. Wait! You don't have to go to the Taiga, if you don't want to. You could go... go to Tuktu, or-or Rising Sun Valley! I don't know anything about those, either, he almost pleaded. He didn't know what had upset her, but he did know he wanted to take it back, whatever it was.