Verdigris Ravine empty nester

His children were close, but not so close that the vagabond could not continue living the "bachelor life". They were grown enough to make their own decisions, to find their own way in Teekon Wilds. Marcus was just thankful he was able to collect them from their mother with less of a fuss than he anticipated.

Still, he lingered near so that if they called he would be there at a moment's notice. There was time to make up for, he had missed too much of their lives already.

But today he found that no one needed him. Idle time passed by as the wolf found a spot in which he could almost perfectly blend into. Settling against the large red face of rock, the russet loner felt the coolness of shade wash over him and huffed softly. Marcus was happy his children were here, but he still felt so alone.

Another wolf on the wind so soon! And it was not the scent of Meerkat or Towhee. Another stranger. S'ari hoped it was not another stubborn one like the sandy-colored one she and the others had chased off. She followed her nose until it led her to the wolf and stayed at a distance, calling in the space between them, This is Coyote land! Wolves are not welcome here! She had tried being nice with Solaire, and it had not gone well. She would not be so kind to strange wolves from now on. She would not let the Tribe be stepped on. There are others! Do not make S'ari call them!

The stranger's declaration startled him, but Marcus barely moved an inch despite his uneasiness. Instead, he lazily rolled his head so that he could clearly catch a glimpse of a little lady in the distance... looking very disapproving of his existence as a whole. Another woman upset with him. 

"Coyote land?" Bemusement laced his words, coupled with a skeptical look. He was way too tired for this. "Go ahead, call the others." A final lingering look at the coyote before lowering his head to rest upon his paws. Defeated.

S'ari was surprised, and did not know what to do now. She had been so expecting another wolf like Solaire, one stubborn and frightening, that this man who simply lay his down upon his paws was an anomaly. Well. If he wasn't threatening her, then she supposed he could simply lay there. But she would keep an eye on him.

If this one only intends to lie there, then he can stay, S'ari called to him. But S'ari must keep watch. Best not to turn one's back on a wolf. Slowly, she approached him, but still kept several feet of distance between them, out of snapping range. She glanced over her shoulder for one moment, frowning. The others would be angry for this, but she did not worry about that for now. There is water here, farther in. But S'ari must accompany you if you go any farther.

"I get it. I've made that mistake before." The flatness of his tone surprised even himself. Now that he had nothing to do, no goals or ambitions, the reality of his depression was truly sinking in. Marcus grunted to rid the thought and shifted his position a mere inch or two. There was not much more than a twitch of his nose to offer as the woman neared the dormant giant. 

Peering up from where he lay, brows raised to accommodate the awkward angle, the loner took note of the tiny sand girl who stood so dutifully before him. So she was a leader. "I'm alright on water for now." A long pause, and then he asked, "Soooo are you going to have to stay here to watch me until I leave? Sounds like a waste of time for you, right?" He was settled, sure, but he wouldn't be against leaving if it meant not having to be babysat.

He seemed so sad. Or perhaps bored. S'ari could not tell exactly what his tone of voice meant. He still did not seem a threat at all, even as she neared him. Feeling safer, but still keeping her distance, she sat down.

He asked if she would stay and watch him the entire time, claiming it to be a waste of her time. She couldn't help but grin down at him. If this one learns one thing about S'ari, it is that nothing is a waste of her time. She will talk anyone's ear off who will listen. And perhaps if she speaks long enough, she will chase you away. There was a playful gleam in her eye at these words, almost a challenge. But she figured there was a good chance he would simply get up and leave at this challenge, for he seemed so tired. And so, she said, what is this one's name?

He was no threat, and now that she could see this their discourse began to smooth over. She had even coaxed a small laugh from him, bringing the russet wolf to at least lift his head in greeting as she sat near him. "You'd sooner see my ears fall off than me walk away from a friendly face." Clearing his throat, Marcus fought to battle the dry air that began to irritate his sinuses. 

"I'm Marcus. And you are S'ari?" He could only assume so as the woman continued to reference the name in a way that made him think she was referencing herself. Such an interesting dialect.

sorry this is so short ;-;

S'ari was quickly coming to like this wolf. It is good to meet Marcus, she said. And yes, S'ari is S'ari. Trying to think of something to talk about, she asked, What has brought Marcus out here? As far as S'ari knows, most wolves do not like the desert. Their fur is too thick for such places. Perhaps this one likes to torture himself? She laughed.

it's okay! these two are cute I love it

A pocket-sized jester, S'ari was. she brought the upbeat energy he needed, and so he clung to it. Soon the man began to mirror her spirits, both in his body language and facial expressions. His heavy tail thumped and sunshine eyes glowed with life at this nice turn of events. And here Marcus thought he would dry up like a prune alone on this day. "I'm a glutton for punishment, S'ari." The dryness in his voice began the smooth with ever word he spoke. He hadn't realized until now that he hadn't uttered a single word in days. "I don't have a home currently, so I guess you could say I'm aimlessly wandering." Tongue pressed against his teeth in thought before he continued, "I apologize for crossing into yours."

S'ari laughed at Marcus' words: I'm a glutton for punishment. She smiled at him; he seemed happier with each heartbeat, and she was glad of that. S'ari did not have a home for many moons, she said, trying to make him feel better. And then she found this place, and so many friends! Perhaps it will be the same for Marcus, yes? He will find somewhere new, and make friends.

She shook her head at his next comment. Marcus is a much nicer wolf than the last one S'ari had to chase off. It is only that so many wolves like to step on Coyote. Pretend that they are in charge. S'ari had to snap at you, you see? She had to see if you were friend or foe. But S'ari is kind to wolves who are kind to her, and that is all. She nodded seriously, which was a strange thing for her, one so light and tricksy.

"I'm glad things have turned around for you. You're a sweet girl - good hearted." The older man took a pause to rise to a seated position as well, now looking downwards at the young spitfire. "Perhaps I will find a place, but it's okay if I don't." Marcus restrained another sigh, not wanting to give S'ari reason to pity him. Instead he offered her a tight lipped smile. She already felt the need to stay out of obligation to her pack, no need to add another layer of burden.

"There's no need to apologize." A shake of the head to emphasize his point. "You do what you have to do to survive." Russet ears flattened at the thought of letting one's guard down. And S'ari was so small - she had to add extra defenses to endure, to thrive. "S'ari, thanks for letting me stay for a bit." The setting sun cast gold upon them both. "I'll get out of your fur soon. Just needed a change of scenery to rest."

S'ari turned her head to the side and looked at Marcus out of the corner of one eye, blinking bashfully. No one has ever called S'ari sweet before. Prickly like cactus, maybe. She threw her head back and laughed. This wasn't true either--no one had ever called her prickly like cactus--but she thought it was funny.

As long as this one does not get any closer, he may stay here as long as he likes. It is only the others. They would not like a wolf so close. But S'ari is not like the others. It was good to meet you, Marcus. She gave a little bow and stood up, prepared to leave him alone, unafraid of leaving him unattended now. Ours is to smile at your passing, friend. It was a phrase all Tribe knew--and, curiously, Qiao. She had not yet had the chance to ask about that...

With a last smile at Marcus, S'ari trotted off back towards the Ravine, to wash the scent of wolf off of her before Zoug found her and had a conniption.

short but finishing up <3 this was cute 

Marcus felt privileged by S'ari's invitation to stay in the area. At this point he would take any win he could get, but the specific thought of running into her again for another chat in the future rose his spirits. "It was good to meet you too, S'ari. Safe travels." As he saw her off, sun crept into the once shaded spot he had sought out, urging the wolf to scooch over under the overhang and nearer the face of the rock. He would rest here for a while, find that water, and then seek a cooler place to stay.