It was low tide and Beric decided to cross the sandbar to the mainland. He purposely went to the northern Sea Lion Shores, knowing it would probably piss off Horizon Ridge, but unless they formally claimed the shore, they couldn't do anything about it. And, besides, he wasn't hunting.

He walked onto the shore, stopping to look around momentarily, before walking parallel to the water. He walked almost lazily, his thoughts going to his family. Barristan, Verrine, Julooke... Surely, they had to be around her somewhere. They weren't back in Sterrenvuur, and he hadn't found them here yet. He looked to the sky, disappointed it was only late morning, and not night. He could use their guidance right now. He stifled the urge to release a howl to call for them. He was too close to Horizon Ridge to blatantly give his position away. While he had every right to be here, he wasn't going to really give them a reason to send someone to intercept him. Sitting back on his haunches, he did his best to imagine the stars were there in the sky now.

The waves were particularly calm today, so there wasn't as much noise to cover up the sound of paw steps. Quickening paw steps. Beric turned his body to face the wolf approaching. His hackles raised when he realized it intended to attack. What a foolish mistake this stranger would realize too late that he was making. Beric took his stance, widening his front legs, baring his teeth fully, and perking his ears to try and appear larger than he already was. He was not a novice fighter, and he was going to make this wolf regret ever thinking about stepping towards him.

That was, until the stranger got closer and closer. His scent only smelled of Horizon Ridge, his enemy, but his face... Beric immediately changed his stance to neutral, covering his teeth, but his ears remained perked. He had to be ready if Verrine continued to come after him, but Beric would rather lay down in defeat than to fight his family. In case he wasn't recognizable, he barked out, I'm Beric!

Verrine seemed to finally take notice of who he was, thankfully. He couldn't help but laugh at the other male's response. His own tail wagged as he closed the distance between them, not ignoring, but not nervous, either, of Verrine's still somewhat hostile stance. He hoped that once Verrine realized it was him, and he wasn't an enemy, he would calm down. He attempted to nose his friend's cheek in greeting, I have been looking for you and Julooke everywhere! Where have you been? he questioned, a smile etched on his face. He could smell Horizon Ridge all over Verrine, but he would let him tell it instead of just coming out and saying it. He relized there was a pink elephant, so to speak, on the shore with them, and it would have to be dealt with. He hoped their friendship, though, could get them through it.

Verrine finally seemed to settle down and it made Beric all the more excited to see him. He mimicked his friend, sitting back on his haunches while he listened. It seemed they hadn't been here much longer than he had. It was just a coincidence that they ended up in rival packs, it seemed. Beric wished it wasn't like that, but maybe they could use it instead of letting it get to them. Maybe they could turn the packs into alliances instead of enemies.

He nodded, Yes, the pack split so suddenly, and everyone was just... gone. I went back to Sterrenvuur, but when I didn't see you and Julooke, I came back looking for you. He took a breath before saying, I understand you're with the Horizon Ridge pack? As I'm sure you've deduced, I live on the island. His gaze went towards his packs lands before going back to Verrine. Quite interesting, huh? He gauged his friend's reaction, wondering if he would be upset that they were supposed to be on opposing sides.

Yes, the situation did suck, and something had to be done. Beric had been searching for Verrine and Julooke for months, and he wouldn't give them up now that they had found each other. It was true that their packs weren't getting along at the moment, but the situation wasn't so dire for Beric to believe they had to be estranged from each other. Apparently, Verrine had his own idea of a solution. Beric gave his own sour expression, that turned into uncertainty. You know me, Verrine. I'm loyal to a fault. Majesty is a new leader, and I know your Alpha is a bit turned off by our proximity, but I'm sure in time everything will settle down and they'll see we're not a real threat, he responded. It was true. He was loyal to a fault. But, he was not stupid. He had a line, and soon he would find out that Majesty had well overstepped it.

Needing to think of something happier, Beric asked, Hey, how is Julooke doing? He was a little surprised to find the two not together today, but maybe she was off doing her own thing. You two tied the knot yet? They were usually inseparable, but Beric knew nothing had been official. It was like everyone else knew it but the two of them. He supposed it didn't really matter, because whether or not it was official, he didn't think anything could tear the two apart.

Beric was a little glad that Verrine had not pushed the subject of leaving Wheeling Gull Isle. If he had, Beric would have been tempted to leave and join Horizon Ridge. But, he also would have felt like a traitor. Majesty had not done anything to deserve his betrayal, and therefore he could not give it. Maybe in due time they could find a way to live in harmony, though, once things settled down a little. Beric would not give up seeing Verrine and Julooke because someone was mad of where they lived. They did not move there to harm anyone, and in time, others would see that.

With a smile, Beric rolled his eyes when his friend admitted he had not yet told Julooke of his feelings. Everyone falls in love with Julooke. You better speak up soon before some other male does, he warned. He wasn't really joking. He knew the pair were destined to be together, if one of them would just open their damn mouths and say how they feel. You two have been joined at the hip since you met. She must feel the same, or she would have gone looking for someone else by now. So, what do you have to lose by telling her? He put his friend on the spot, wanting an answer, and his pointed expression showed it.

Beric understood Verrine's concerns. Julooke was a big-hearted wolf, but Beric wondered if she would give herself to someone just because she felt obligated. He didn't know that she had ever done anything like that before. Still, Beric thought Verrine should try. But, what if she's waiting on you? I don't think she's ever been in love; maybe she doesn't know how to tell you. He didn't think she just assumed they were together, since he had never heard her speak of them like that, but she always spoke fondly of Verrine. Is she still mourning over her parents? he asked softly. It had been a while since he seen her, and back then, she still seemed to be upset over the loss of Liyano and Fatalis. Maybe her heart had healed some since then.

You should at least let her know your feelings, and that there are no obligations for her to return them. Let her know how you really feel. Maybe she feels the same and just hadn't realized it since you two have been so close for so long. Beric himself had not been in love yet, but he hoped one day he could have the relationship that Verrine had with Julooke. They hadn't told each other how they felt, but he could see how good of a couple they would be just by looking at their friendship. He felt it would be a shame to see them end up with different people simply because no one wanted to tell the other how deeply they felt.

Verrine admitted he thought she was mostly past it, though he could tell she still thought of them sometimes. It was good to hear she had gotten over her depression. The Julooke he knew was vibrant, and alive, and he was so glad she was back. That's good to hear, he said, smiling.

Verrine began to make his goodbyes, and as much as Beric wanted to stay and catch up some more, they both had duties to their pack to think about. Quickly, he told Verrine, Don't tell Julooke I'm here. I want it to be a surprise. Maybe not a "I think you're an enemy wolf and I want to attack you" surprise, like it had been with Verrine, but a better one. Thank you, I'll do the same with my pack, he said. He watched as Verrine went, and then turned back towards Wheeling Gull Isle, a smile on his face.