The alpha had ventured from the borders, following the river until it lead him into the flatlands. It was late, and he knew most of the pack was asleep, but since their run in with the bear, he hadn't been sleeping very well again. His nightmares had returned with a vengeance, terrorizing any moments of sleep with the haunting eyes and giant paws of some dream world monster bear. 

If that wasn't bad enough, he had started getting frequent, horribly painful headaches. He couldn't figure out what triggered them, but a couple times a day, seemingly out of nowhere, he was overtaken by the sudden feeling of a thousand knives piercing through his skull and into his brain. The pain only lasted a couple minutes, but it always forced him to stop what he was doing and stand frozen with his eyes closed until the throbbing subsided. So far, he had been lucky enough to have always been alone when it happened, but he knew it was only matter of time before someone found out. He assumed his mate would probably be the first to witness it since he spent most of his time with her, especially since the bear attack. The smell of her blood still stuck in his mind as if her were smelling it again, and he was having a hard time shaking the idea that he could have lost her. She had sustained a fairly large injury down her back that was a constant reminder for him. Other packmates had been injured as well, including himself. He had pretty deep gash on his head and a slash across his chest, but he was alive and so was everyone else, so he had something to be thankful for.


These were the alpha's thoughts as he walked the length of the river, white flurries collecting on his inky coat before melting. At some point, he stopped and shook the accumulated water from his fur before resuming his pace. The snow was starting to collect on the ground, and his steps left large wolf prints behind him as he continued his late night walk.

He froze at the words, fixing his gaze ahead of him in the direction the sound. Kavik hadn't expected to run into anyone this late, so he was surprised to learn of the other's presence. He quickly and confidently closed the distance between them, making sure to leave enough space as was appropriate for wolves who didn't know each other. The alpha dipped his large, inky head in greeting. Hello, I apologize if I startled you, he stated, his emerald gaze taking in the large, similarly-colored male in front of him. He hadn't seen the stranger before, but that wasn't surprising; he hadn't been leaving the plateau very much lately. He honestly hadn't even planned on doing so tonight, but he had followed the river through their territory and just continued following it across their well-marked borders and into the flatlands. It had been a peaceful and quiet walk until it seemed he had stumbled on a loner, not that he minded; he could use the distraction anyway.

He hadn't been startled, just surprised to find someone out and about so late. Regardless, he gave a quick nod in response, only studying the odd male when he further explained his words. The stranger took a seat, moonlight glinting off his fur and turning it an interesting shade of blue. Kavik followed suit, taking a seat as well, stifling the urge to wince as the movement jostled his chest wound. He didn't like to show weakness around anyone, let alone a stranger. He had important responsibilities; no need to go and get himself in another fight and accrue more injuries in the process. 

He stated he had been around for a bit. Kavik hadn't scented him near the borders during his patrols, so he seemed to have the good sense to stay far enough from claimed lands. Kavik listened quietly as the male went on to explain that the winter seemed to leave him in need of a home. He understood that; winter had only just started, and it was sure to get colder and more difficult for a wolf to survive on their own. The alpha was about to ask about his skills, but the stranger introduced himself and informed Kavik that he was a good hunter. They could always use hunters, even ones that were not very good at teamwork; it was something that could be easily taught. He dipped his head once more. I am Kavik, alpha of Blacktail Deer Plateau. My mate Liri is the other alpha, he returned. 

Siqsa fell silent for a few minutes, but Kavik was no stranger to quiet. He studied the male again as he appeared lost in thought. He was large like Kavik and also young. He seemed a little strange, but that didn't matter to the alpha, he was just glad to possibly have met someone to add to the ranks. When the other man finally spoke, it was to mention Kavik's beta. His eyes held a little surprise at hearing his friend's name. It made sense, though. Grezig was always busy recruiting members and doing other things for the pack, even before they had officially settled in the plateau. He considered himself lucky to have such a capable and hard-working beta. 

So you've met my beta, he said. What she says is correct; we do need more numbers, especially with winter so close, he added. He couldn't see a reason not to allow Siqsa to join their ranks; they needed members and he needed a home, so it seemed like a good match. Plus, he seemed like a capable wolf and those were always good to have. You're welcome to join the ranks, Siqsa, he stated, standing up. You could join me for a walk out here and I can answer whatever questions you have, or I can take you back to the plateau now. Most of the members are asleep, so you wouldn't be able to meet them until the morning. It's your choice, he offered, falling silent again and waiting for the male's answer.

Interesting was a good word for the beta. Yes, she's different than most, but loyal and a good friend. I'm sure you'll find that out on your own, he answered, amusement painting his tone. He wasn't sure what she had said to the male, but he assumed she was her usual frank, brash self.

The new recruit seemed eager to be shown the plateau and chose to be lead back to pack territory. The alpha dipped his head. Alright, follow me, he said as he turned to head back home. They walked for a few minutes before his new packmate asked what he would be shown first. I figured we could follow the river back up to the plateau and we could start there. The part of the river that runs through our territory is a favorite spot for most members, Kavik replied as he continued to walk. The borders are not too far from here, he added with a lift of his head in the direction they were heading. They could start there; it was a good place as it was the entrance from the flatlands and so one of the most important borders to become familiar with and help keep marked.