Swiftcurrent Creek Spent a few years drowning in vodka

@Constantine sorry for the wait!

Vibrant orbs of green flicked toward the water, ears tipped forward upon his crown to listen to the rush and shifting of small rivulets on the creek's surface; he could see his own reflection, morphing strangely with the passing of chilled liquid that rippled and tumbled. He stared long and hard, gaze piercing and searching for something beyond his reach, something that could not quite be placed, but he did not find what he was looking for. The smoky traveller reached down, angular features lit by what remained of the afternoon's sun, and pelt ruffled by the caress of the autumn wind - it was an almost pleasant feeling. Almost. His salmon tongue escaped from the confines of his muzzle, lapping up the water and feeling its icy touch trickle down his throat.

Only once the dryness in his mouth had been healed did he step back, lowering himself onto his haunches and wrapping his tail around his rear. The Valento watched the sun as it began to lower in the sky, drenching the canopy above in washes of vivid orange, red, intertwined with the cool blue of the earlier hours; perhaps he would have enjoyed the sight, but his mind was locked in other memories.

"Find yourself. I believe in you, my son."

He intended to slake his consistent thirst, but the form of a silver male at the creek side had caused him pause. Durnehviir’s scent drifted from the man—clearly, the wolf had been accepted, and the swarthy shadowrunner felt his jaw clench, wondering if the rift between them had perhaps caused her to linger in the stranger’s presence longer than she would have another.
 
Unprecedented jealousy was apparently a forefront of their relationship.
 
Uttering a low rumble in greeting, the regal stalked closer, his paw pads heavy as they crept over the grass and dirt by the creek. Pulling alongside the newcomer, his fiery eyes studied the more youthful man without open emotion, spare for the prick of his ears as they swept forward. “You’re new here,” he noted, his tongue sliding across his jowls. “I’m Constantine. Welcome.”

Though he was not accustomed to the ways of pack life, Soltero was not such a fool to ignore the regal way in which the stranger approached him - he held himself in such a way that the smoky traveller would not ignore - this man, whoever he was, held a rank of significance. The alpha male, perhaps. Lucid eyes of a grassy green flickered like a candle flame to watch as the man strolled closer, and closer still, until the distance between them was closed enough for a conversation to travel the air. 

The Valento was not much for talking, in all truth, but he knew that to simply ignore this wolf, draped in a coat of charcoal, was rude and his mother would certainly never have approved. He doubted the other residents of this territory would, either. Soltero gave a low chuff in response, a greeting of his own. It lacked great enthusiasm, but was polite enough. "Thank you." A voice deep like rolling waves slipped from betwixt his blackened lips, ears tipping toward Constantine; he had to be cautious of his own actions, for upsetting an alpha or their pack was hardly on his bucket list. "My name is Soltero. Pleasure to meet you."