Whilst the younger male was near, Kove was far. With the time it took him to make his way over, he assumed the guest to have been welcomed already; this was proven to be true as he spotted the unique coat of the  Brother-to-be. He slowed to a steady trot before stopping entirely, keeping back just enough to not impose on their conversation but, at the same time, close enough to at least be seen. He eyed the girl with a hint of curiosity, taking in the vibrant colour of her pelt and her nerves. That she was worried came as no surprise, and actually kept him from taking any steps closer. Being a father himself, the Inuk wanted not to be the one to further frighten a child, and so he would remain back until—if—she calmed down.

A missing brother brought her there. Losing a sibling was something he knew all too well, though he hoped her brother had not suffered the same fate as his own kin. He was content to stay back and listen, wondering, too, about the appearance of the missing child; Kove did not often leave the woods but he could at least keep an eye out from his borders, if need be. For though the woods was not exactly known as being the sort to seek out missing children—lest they be commissioned to do so—the Dark Master was drawn to the story on a personal level.

And so, he waited, hearing honed in on the girl.

A family of curious appearances.

Just as Wintersbane did, the elder listened to the description as it was given. He, too, had never seen a wolf matching the appearance of the missing boy—granted, he didn’t leave home much but, even still, he was always watching out beyond the borders. Having the information that he’d been waiting for, he readied himself to turn and take his leave, only to be stopped by the fact that he was spotted. Standing there, he stared back at the girl for a long second, contemplating his next move, before breaking away from the shadows and joining his pack mate; he remained relaxed the entire time, though he did keep his tail and head raised just a tad bit higher, letting his place be known without being assertive—to constantly do so was a tiring thing, after all.

“Or would you rather us tell him to meet you somewhere that you are both familiar with?” he asked shortly after his approach, adding onto the younger male’s offer. And though he, perhaps, should have tried to make a contract out of this ordeal, he could not—he could not demand things in exchange for a service, not when it involved the life of a child.

Arriving there, Kove had expected little to arise from the meeting. A mere child searching for her missing brother, and a request to send him home, should they happen upon him—but she was not a mere child, was she? He nodded first but it was not until the other male departed that he allowed his expression to soften with curiosity and wonder, the mention alone of Bearclaw bringing forth fond memories.

“Bearclaw Valley,” he repeated back, though it was not a question. “Were you born there? Who are your parents?” He had yet to confirm who now reigned over the valley but still firmly believed it was a child of his—Desna, no, he was certain, but there were three others that could have taken back their place of birth. Or, perhaps, this girl was of that Indra woman’s blood. Either way, she had his interest, and it was no longer due only to her missing brother.

Laurel Redleaf. Another name that was unfamiliar to him, yet dwelling within the home that was once his own. It was a strange thing to realise—that wolves he’d never met could so easily enter and take claim to the kingdom that was once his. Strange, and terribly so, but logical; for land as idealistic as the valley to sit void of inhabitants almost seemed a crime. “Out of curiosity, I suppose,” he returned with, though perhaps that was not entirely the truth. Partially, yes, but certainly not fully.

“Do you know a woman named Indra?” he asked next. “How about Nanook, Sesi, or Xan?” Desna would not return, he was confident of that, but what of the others? And what of Indra? The woman had helped Maegi when he could not, had provided her with a place to heal and lick her wounds. If at all possible, he would like to thank her someday—or, in the very least, pass the message along through a packmate of hers.