Tahoe was unalarmed by the foreigner's arrival. The delicate sound of their footfalls was sufficient for him to presume their intent. After all, he had been careful not to trespass on pack lands. If the wolf had desired to spar, they would've seized their opportunity for an ambush. Clearly, some godawful force had inspired this lupine to interact with him. The brute, unbothered, finished his drink. His tongue flickered over his maw as he soberly lifted his skull, examining the stranger through his disconsolate gaze. They fashioned a pelt reminiscent of a stormy day, paired with eyes that were pools of the afternoon sky. Tahoe was never one to be concerned with looks, he refused to believe in such a vain construct. Then again, perhaps it was because he was merely a rudimentary fellow himself. The stranger spoke, surmising about his rough travels. They addressed him with a term belonging to a foreign tongue, based on their tone, he insinuated it to be a compliment. A light scoff escaped him. Rough day, rougher terrain. Nothing out of the ordinary. He grumbled vaguely, flecks of previously entangled vegetation going airborne as he gave his pelage a hasty shake.

Tahoe, He answered, eyeing the wolf as they took no time to get situated. It was apparent that this fellow wasn't keen on letting him slip away that easily. Even so, Tahoe had a profusion of time to spare. He wasn't terribly accustomed to strangers taking interest in his affairs. Then again, this wasn't homeland. Tahoe had always been reserved. He assumed that was the reason he'd manage to survive this long. Either that, or blind luck. Things were different now, he had no option but to travel alone. He didn't intend on making any enemies while he was at it. Like it or not, he knew it'd do him no favors to shun potential allies. Perhaps not everyone was as insufferable as he thought them to be. The same might not be said for himself.

I'll be alright. I shouldn't have an issue finding my way around. Never heard of a few pesky bushes killin' anybody. Tahoe mused gruffly. And you are?

His brow knitted as he listened attentively to Alejandro's reply, taking notice in his introduction. This type of interaction seemed like an ordinary occurrence for the marble coated man, but specifically his mention of a deluge of nicknames signified he must've built many connections. 

I'll go wherever I'm not unwelcome. Nothing's been set in stone yet, Alejandro. He replied, his words cloaked in vagueness. Tahoe saw no reason in divulging unnecessary details to the stranger, his trust was never easy to earn. Though, his travels often had adventitious influences, a clear destination was never in mind anyway. His main goal was to get familiarized with the area first. A local's knowledge would certainly be an asset. You a pack wolf?

His inkling was further validated by the lupine’s reply. St. Clair was redolent of a sprightly adventurer. Or so, he was being led to believe. He took the man’s words with a grain of salt, though that didn’t spare them scrutiny. Tahoe sought a cause for potential deception, but his mind failed to yield any  convincing reasons. Perhaps he was overthinking things... or perhaps he didn’t know enough yet.

Tahoe offered a shake of his head. You’re right on that one. He answered in a rumble, insouciant. Despite his troubles, the words were easy to say. McBride had lost everything. But those days were beyond him now. There was no point moping about things he’d never be able to fix, to regain. Now, the thought of a new pack was impossible to fathom. Been on your own for a while now?

No wonder he had approached him. Alejandro was in the market for an aide. The notion wasn't purely one-sided, in fact it seemed mutually beneficial. It would be an advantage for Tahoe to have a local impart information on the lands to him. He always preferred to travel in solitude, but this fellow wasn't as pesky as most. Conversely, it seemed Alejandro didn't take negatively to his presence at least, moreover even positively. He wasn't an expert at recognizing emotions though, it was much easier to analyze facts. McBride paused, considering the man's inferred preposition. In the end, both of them seemed to be in similar scenarios. The final decision was unusual for him, but it made sense. 

Where are you headin' to? He inquired, a subtle nod of acknowledgement preceding his words.

West. Mountains. Nephews. Alejandro's preposition seemed to be a rudimentary one. McBride had planned to make a trek up to the mountains sometime soon, a well-timed coincidence. A higher elevation would provide him a better understanding of the layout of his surroundings. It was a strategy he had always utilized during his travels. As for Alejandro's family matters, he regarded them with little value. Those were his affairs to deal with, he was just there along for the ride. If anything were to go south, Tahoe could count on his wits.

Tahoe contemplated for a moment, his response came swiftly. Lead the way.