Night was to fall soon, the yellow star pacing itself beneath a blanket of earth. Rosy fire spread across the sky, with tiny tears of white from tiny stars ripping through sunsets canvas. His mind didn’t focus on the artwork before him though, and instead dwelled on why he was so fazed by Alarian’s fooling with another wolf. Was he upset that instead of returning to the lair straightaway after hunting he moseyed around with some stranger? Even after countless times where strangers were proven to be dangerous? He truly didn’t know - and was pulled from his thoughts when her noticed an unfamiliar silhouette amongst the wood. She was pale; but not as pale as Korei. For she had a striking fur pattern on her face, and he was unexpectedly interested. 

Lennon no longer obsessed over his internal issues, and instead focused on the stranger lingering a few meters in the distance. He chuffed to let the girl know he was close, and not to startle her. ”Hello, there!” He chirped, his sing-songy voice accompanied by his accent made it clear he wasn’t exactly the most normal.

Lennon trotted best he could with his disabled leg closer to the girl,  though kept a cautious amount of space between them. He didn’t want to keep her too on-guard, though completely understood why. His torn thigh proved the consequences of not staying on high alert. Her eyes were striking, standing out even more among the jade coniferous trees speckling the forest. For a moment he felt lost in her gaze before returning to reality. ”I’m Lennon, and you?” He sent her a charming smile, eyes glinting with magnetism. Something about the stranger was so unique, it reminded him of his first encounter with Alarian and how he’d fallen from the sky. 

”You a wanderer, yourself?” He hoped he wasn’t badgering too much. Her lack of pack scent was just evident, and his mind raced to another inquiry, and before he could wait his mouth uttered it without hesitation. His tail swayed slowly side to side, indicating his pleasure in getting to know the she-wolf. It was always exciting to make new acquaintances- especially ones that don’t rip your thigh out.

When Lennon had conversations, he always made sure to truly engage. To allow his peer to feel listened to and noticed, only letting large interuptions remove him from them being his center for the time being. So, for the brief time she displayed a coy expression, Lennon was quick to notice. He replayed her name in his head, Xahi, Xahi, Xahi. It seemed more foreign than even he was, and another immigrant was always especially interesting to converse with. The elongated pause was strange, but nothing odd enough to shy Lennon away from the girl. 

Her return of the question made his ears perk, a nod in response. ”Travler all my life, I’m joined by two others right now – are you all alone?” The last part of his comment seemed a bit more worried, he didn’t enjoyed solitude for long periods of time. It’s likely what made him so queer, being forced into an unreal reality deep within his brain.

Xahi’s growing interest only fueled his enjoyment in their interaction. Her question forced him to present his healing wounds, the scratches on his shoulder and the lack of thigh. He didn’t force her to observe long, not ever finding it fond to look at such grotesque images. ”We’re a little beat up from attacks, we decided to pause our travels and rest. It seems I can’t stay still for long though, I had to go out and explore,” he glanced over her frame again, pausing on her strong gaze, ”I must admit I’m glad I did.” The friendly male displayed another smile, before remembering his own question he hadn’t had time to ask- for she was readied with one before he could say it. ”If you don’t mind me asking, why are you alone now?” 

A moment flashed in his mind, remembering the first time Lennon was ever truly alone and how utterly terrifying and painful it had been, but was quickly reverted back to Xahi.

He was reminded of the lifeless body of a newly killed cougar, blood spilled like knocked over paint. Lennon had no doubt that opponent got what it deserved, but he hadn’t done much harm to the ghost that attacked Alarian and Korei, which upset him greatly. When she started her story, he instantly became more enthralled (if that were possible) and was forced to sit down to intently listen. He could tell where this woman, Ezimette, stood in Xahi’s heart. It was nice to hear such open parts of her life despite having only met. ”A woman of honor, indeed.” He strongly agreed, knowing that his statement was true with the way the female had described her. Quite far away from here. He resisted a laugh, simply because she likely wouldn’t have taken it as he hoped- it was just funny to recollect how far he’d traveled. He imagined how much she had too. 

Friend. The title made his eyes sparkle and teeth glint in the fading sunlight. He was very happy to be given a name so soon, every sentence the two exchanged made him like her even more. ”I can’t seem to find the right place to settle, though I’m forming a nice group to stay with, hopefully for awhile.” It made him worry about Korei’s intention to join a pack, he didn’t want to lose the girl he felt so protective over. ”Being alone can be quite unnerving,” Lennon admitted, especially in such a desolate winter. ”Do you prefer it?” He hoped not – for some reason he didn’t want this newfound friend to roam the bitter lands without company. Especially after witnessing how easy harm can interfere with your life.

Lennon’s ears hovered lower than usual when she answered his question, he remembered being alone for months on end and how desperate he was for interaction with someone kind-natured. Fortunately, he didn’t have to worry about searching for an engaging conversation with his trio always together - and a potential fourth. That was if she accepted his offer though, he pawed at the ground a moment. Was it to soon to offer? He gave Alarian refuge in him and Korei’s travels within minutes of meeting, perhaps this was just another stroke of luck! ”You can always stay with us,” Lennon hated speaking for the others, but he was never opposed to another companion except whoever slept with Ali, and who was to know if she even intended to stay long? He definitely wouldn’t mind if so. ”I’m sure you’ll like my companions, and I have no doubt they’ll like you.” Again, her eyes struck him like he was being hypnotized that he, again, had to pull himself out of; not wanting to stare.

Her response filled Lennon with glee, he was so elated to have added another companion to their little group - a pretty one at that. Xahi’s genuine smile only intensified his joy, ”Brilliant!” He announced, happily. If he wasn’t injured, Lennon would’ve done a small jump. It was always a good moment to find someone you connect with so easily, he believed the two already held a bond and that it was evident to both of them. ”Follow me, I’ll introduce you to my companions, their name are Korei and Alarian.” Lennon truly hoped they would be as welcoming to her as they’d been to strangers in the past. In fact, if they really liked her he might feel like he accomplished something. With that, the cheerful male trotted with a limp back towards the lair, glancing behind him at the alluring wolfess and flashing a famous Lennon smile.