attierk

It had been a long time since he'd found himself in the presence of the spine. A few weeks, but that time away felt like forever. His wanderlust was quiet. In its place a small part of him awoke with fondness and the satisfaction of being home. They nosed along the borders of their terrain, replacing the stale scents of themselves with newer traces so their presence would not be mistaken. They were back. And so, with a lift of their noses and the escape of their song, they let every wolf know of their return.

They slipped within the borders and up and over the ridges to descend into their inner territories. He lingered with her, unsure as to what place she had in mind. He could use a nap. Or rather, any place where he could rest a little more completely as he'd not allowed himself to sleep so soundly in their absence. They both could use the rest, truly, but he imagined there was much to do in their return and many more faces to see.

He shook himself, casting away all thoughts of travel and fatigue as they ventured through the old forest and neared the landmark that bridge a nearby river. He stole away, lapping lightly at the stream before he circled back to join her as she admired the fallen tree. It was... quite a sight to behold and just as timeless despite its fell circumstances. She gazed upon it for a moment longer before turning to look at him with a question on her lips.

His ears lifted and the name fell easily from between his teeth. "Iqniq." He'd found himself growing into that name more and more with each passing day. Did he wear it outside the Spine? No. But he'd made promise to Tonravik long ago that if he wandered no other would learn of the Spine. Kero charmed and investigated and learned without hinting at his origins. Iqniq felt the weight of his newfound responsibilities and was determined to perform to the best of his ability and learn from his mistakes. In a sense, he wore both egos as each served their purpose. But here and now? And in her presence? That which made him Kero was eclipsed by all that she'd given him. He was Iqniq.