Neverwinter Forest Intrepid

The red wolf claimed ignorance, though he did not outright refute the possibility. Impala was convinced that this wolf and his father were one and the same. It was hard to trust this serendipitous stroke of fortune, yet he considered all the facts as objectively as possible. Physically, this male was a match. He seemed a man of few words. He was direct, even gruff, in manner. He did not smile or show much emotion. Impala shared many of these traits. Perhaps they were hereditary.

When asked if he was looking for a pack, Impala's lips pursed. He had promised to return to the Blackthorn Clan in three months' time, whether or not he found his father. He was loath to let down his grandparents, particularly Cathal. He intended to keep his promise, though surely the wolf in front of him would not appreciate a temporary pledge of fealty. The seconds ticked past as the yearling deliberated.

In the end, he could not lie. "I would like to get to know my father," he answered with an indicative bob of his striped snout. "I cannot promise my loyalty forever but if I am permitted, I would like to stay with your pack. In exchange, I offer my hunting skills, which I will be happy to prove if necessary." Perhaps this wolf, his father, would accept these terms or he may turn the yearling away.

Once again, Impala waited with bated breath, unaware that the two of them (as well as the she-wolf) had yet to exchange names.