Horizon Ridge Never far

Pie didnt need him as much anymore. Which was the way of children. Eventually they outgrew their parents or parental figures. And that was how it was supposed to be. But for the first time in his life. Alaric actually felt uncooked and adrift and he hated it. Perhaps he had been complacent and settled too long or just long enough 

He shifted through the ridge taking in the wilderness and plants around.

Hokulani was forward-bound, quite literally as she bounded through the forest next to the ridge. There was a coast to search, lands to be conquered, and wolves to meet.

She came to a sudden halt at the sight of a wolf in her peripheral vision, head turning to spot the black-coated man. He seemed ansty, to say the least, and Hokulani wasn't so sure what to make of it. Was it rude to have been staring for this long?

Lucky for this she wolf. Alaric was used to be stared at and it didn't bother him. When he offered services. He was often double checked for certain ones. He was a trader of all things after all.

He turned to meet her gaze. Hello.

He returned her gaze without a sign of irritability, providing Hokulani with the confidence to begin approaching him. You look nervous! She returned, tail swaying behind her.

There's not something I should be afraid of, is there? Her tone was playful, clearly a friendly tease, though she was curious of what could have the stranger so riled up.

Hoku hadn't seen many wolves like him before; older (about her father's age she assumed), but still appearing to be quite healthy. He had good eyes, too. It took some level of willpower not to stare into those green pools.

He chuckled. Green eyes alight with mischief.Im not easily nervous, but i do have nervous energy. I like to go go go. So when im not doing something or busy. We'll you get this.

He gave a small grin.Nothing to fear here. Except for this godawful crow that tries to sing. He's terrible at it honestly.

I can understand that. She was similar, after all. There was nothing Hokulani hated more than an idle life.

When he spoke of the crow, she turned her head to look up at the bird. They really weren't graceful singers, were they? She couldn't help but snicker.

I'm Hokulani, it's good to meet you. Eyeing the man, she wondered if he would share his name with her. Otherwise, she would give him one herself.

[quote="Hokulani" pid='664004' dateline='1757470421']


He nodded. Not many could understand his recklessness. His unease when the world wasn't busy. Qhen he wasn't busy. Darkness pervades usually.

He glared at the offending crow. 

Im Alaric.

Then it's good to meet you, Alaric. Her tail waved behind her in slow back-and-forth swishes. What brings you to the coast?

It felt good to have a decent conversation after all this time. She had been so lonely in these past months! I'm here looking for a place to settle. She didn't see the harm in revealing that. Hokulani didn't quite think it was a secret meant to be kept, she had no company after all.

Pleasures all mine. He danced this mannerly dance as he always did. His regular charm and the feeling of something he knew clicking back into place. He could be charming. Diplomatic. He was a healer a bard a storyteller.

I followed a girl who i watched grow up here. To make sure she is safe. Couldn't let her run off willy nilly. She and her sister.

He motioned. She and tiki are towards the cliffs. The she wolf they currently reside with doesn't quite like men. So I supposed here I am. Nearby if they need me.

The way he spoke about the girls he was with reminded Hokulani much of her father. It should make her angry, but it was hard to be upset with someone so charming.

That's too bad, you must get lonely. How he had the willpower to remain here, she didn't know. I hope they come to visit.

Eyeing the trees to the west, Hokulani found that it was likely time for her to go, too. Well, maybe we'll see each other again if you ever travel west on the coastline. She decided. Then neither of us have to be so lonely.

Alaric missed the girls. But he also knew they would not need him forever. Someday they would slip into homes amd he'd be there but looking in. Amd he was glad for it.

A small smile and a gentle wink. I'll come that way. Promise.

And he would. He was always for making friends or more. It was a good time. And he was happy to do so.