worlds apart

It was habit that drove Njal towards the lake. His patrols around the claimed lands of the creek wolves had been lax, lazy, and he sought out the refreshment of another familiar vista. He was aware now that the lake was not part of Lethe's lands but he still felt controlling of it; eager for the pack to grow in strength so that perhaps they could conquer it. Njal was doing well within Swiftcurrent - he was powerful here. He was home. There was a new sense of pride instilled within the man as he prowled, drawing farther from the river, and closer to the still waters. There was no intention from Njal - he was simply wandering, although his desire to fall astray from his new pack had waned considerably.

His grizzled fur sported more silver now, leeched of color, especially pale with the collected snow he now ploughed through. The man's head was held high; arrogance maybe, as he was a Gamma, a respected individual and one of the breadwinners. He had worked hard, and he deserved this break --

Njal's thoughts cut off when he saw a flash of familiar color at the edge of the lake. Fox? He thought, with a soft rumble in his chest, ready to burst forth once he fully identified the individual - but no, they were taller. They were bigger. There was less red in their pelt, and more of a mixture - golds, some greys. The stranger moved with a predatory stride, lean and low. Njal's sound became silence, and with his attention caught, he pursued.

His heart felt heavy in his chest, but he couldn't identify why.