Corvus was pleased to be back on his feet again and eager to rejoin his pack — if they would have him. He figured they would, though a lot could happen in a month's time. Would they believe his reason for being absent? He couldn't be sure until the alphas revealed it themselves. His thoughts drifted to Minori. Corvus could only make out a hazy vision of her, wounded by the bear as he was. However, he was not coherent enough to discern the extent of her wounds. He'd be lying if he said worry wasn't forming knots in his stomach, but Minori was strong. She was probably fine. He was prepared for an onslaught of fury when they'd meet again. A twinge of guilt did prick at him, though he knew well his disappearance wasn't his fault. Still, he couldn't imagine her having taken him going MIA well.

With the border close by, he cleared his mind. He'd spent the last month marinating in these thoughts, and his loose ends would be tied with time. Corvus reared his head to call for his alphas, his low voice carrying easily through the crisp air. He made sure to come at an hour with decent sunlight, though his schedule had been altered by his caretaker to be more diurnal. That would surely revert with time. Corvus impatiently awaited the arrival of someone — anyone, really. Just being back at the plateau filled him with vigor. Perhaps he was more attached to this group than he previously thought. Absence truly did make the heart grow fonder.

Grezig was first to greet him. She looked absolutely exhausted, and the question of what happened in his absence floated back to the forefront of his mind. Her voice was just as weary when she asked if he'd come to rejoin. Corvus was surprised she didn't ask what happened, but perhaps she was just too tired. He felt obligated to explain himself, regardless of whether anyone asked it of him or not.

Yes, He replied simply, offering a small nod. Two unfamiliar faces appeared, one black and one white. Corvus didn't pay much mind to them, though he wondered if there were more who'd joined in his absence.

Among those who came to the border was... Minori. She was fuming upon her approach, which was honestly expected. Still, he was relieved to find that she was in good health. Corvus opened his mouth to speak, to merely utter her name, but she would have none of it. Minori snarled heatedly and turned her back on him to walk away. It stung not because she hurt him but because of the hurt he saw in her eyes: the hurt he caused. It was the first he'd seen of her in over a month, and she was already walking away from him. Though he expected this sort of reaction, nothing could have prepared him for it.

Despite the pain that brief interaction wrought upon his heart, Corvus kept his composure. They would discuss it later... if she'd let him. He acknowledged the possibility that Minori's walls had gone back up and may never come back down. Corvus would not blame her for doing so, hard as it would be to bear. However, Blacktail Deer Plateau would need to welcome him back before he could even begin to iron out that issue.

A vaguely familiar pale agouti woman appeared next, and the first words from her mouth were "We were worried." Corvus took note of her different stature, indicating that she'd risen significantly in the ranks. Interesting. It was then Kavik neared, supporting her statement. He wondered briefly if the alpha were displeased with him, but of course, the kind-hearted man said it was good to see him. It was still difficult to adjust to just how positive Kavik was. His absence likely didn't help with that. Corvus respectfully dipped his head.

Likewise, He replied, a bittersweet grin finding its place on his face.

"What happened to you?" Kavik asked. And there it was: the question that had been lingering tangibly in the air ever since Grezig arrived on the scene. Corvus took the cue.

The bear got a good swipe in, to say the least, He began, turning his head to display the gnarly scars from its wretched claws on his neck. While covered in scars from his mercenary days, these were by far the largest. Even so, they didn't bother him now that they no longer gave him grief. Straightening up, he continued. I lost a lot of blood but managed to drag myself away before I lost consciousness. I awakened in an unfamiliar place to an estranged woman. She said I would have died if she'd come any later and that I was fortunate my artery wasn't pierced. She nursed me back to health, but it was a very slow process, as you can see, He finally finished. However, Corvus wanted to make something very clear, even if his words weren't taken in earnest. His expression became deathly serious.

My only regret is not being of more use in that battle and being absent as a result. If I am allowed to return, I will serve this pack to the best of my ability; even to my death. That is my oath as a mercenary.

Grezig seemed apathetic towards anything to do with him, and her response to his explanation was simply, "It is up to Kavik whether we let you back in." Corvus was positive something was wrong then, but he wouldn't mention it.

"Did you pursue the bear?" Ruenna asked, and he chuckled.

No, I'm not quite that foolish. I believe I was hallucinating. She said she was attracted by the ruckus and found me near the border. She brought me elsewhere to give me medical assistance, He explained further, not wanting to go into detail about the hallucination of his mother he had or even remember it.

"It's a shame you weren't able to send word," She said next.

Yes... Unfortunately, she was a loner.

Then, Kavik spoke again: "I'm glad to see that you were able to heal from such an awful wound. You proved yourself loyal before, and since it seems you didn't intentionally desert us, I'm willing let you back in." Corvus bowed his head in gratitude. Thankfully, his long-awaited trip here wasn't for naught.

Thank you. Those two words were rare from the shadow, but they best conveyed how he felt.