bone mountain

They were at an impasse. Each wolf blindly thinking themselves as in the right and not for one moment considering they might each hold some fault in this. Iqniq knew only what he saw and in that he saw a pack harmonized save for one wolf who continually forged his own path and in it forgot what it meant to consider those around him. This was what frustrated him the most. This was what led him to be leery and critical of a wolf who over and over again Iqniq was left to cover up carelessness. Had this wolf participated in a number of events where he could prove he was loyal to the pack? Yes. They all had. It was this one who daydreamed and chased after his own desires leaving the rest to be trampled by his inability to function as a whole.

He had been patient. He had been kind. He had disciplined where he felt this wolf needed reminders of what was expected of him within this pack. In all of it, Iqniq was left disappointed. There were only so many lessons that could be given before a wolf had to decide if their student was incapable of learning. This wolf may be strong and capable, but there was plenty within him to suggest he was a wolf better left for the wilds. His independence offered this pack no favors. His continual disrespect towards both Nanuk and himself only created more confusion. Until now, he'd thought verbal warnings would have been enough to warrant gentle corrections. It seemed as though he'd been very wrong in showing this wolf compassion. In his hands-off approach, he'd only given this wolf more room to despise him more. It was evident now how much that resentment had brewed.

No sooner had the wolf spoken to demand action than did Iqniq reach out with heavy paw to strike across the wolf's nose. Whether his nails bit or not, Iqniq was already shifting, spinning his body to align with the wolf's own. Flank to flank. Shoulder to shoulder. He lifted upon hind paws with intent to grapple at this wolf's shoulders and draw Kapvik to kiss the ground.

Wherever they ended up, his words were the same. "Leave us." A hiss. "I need a private word with my mate." If the wolf ended up beneath him, at this point he'd let up, allowing the wolf room to remove himself from the vicinity.