better and better (joining)

Adya heard the howl go up, and his pale ears pricked with curiosity.

He'd been trekking along the coast, north to south. The desire to see a friendly or at least non-murderous face wasn't strong enough for him to lose sight of the shore - not in this strange land with all its unfamiliar sights and scents. The sound came as something of a shock, as he hadn't realized how close he was to occupied territory... Was he in the territory? That would be an excellent way to begin a relationship with the Teekon wolves. 

He paused, lowered his round, moonish face to the ground, snuffled at a scent mark. No, definitely a border mark. It wasn't too sour or too bitter; it smelled like a warning, not a threat. Fierce enough to keep out intruders without the malice that  would attract thrill-seeking challengers. It smelled like one of moder's marks; she was always clever with them.
I can assume they're busy with the kind of drama that comes with having packmates, then, he thought dryly. Maybe I can just... sit, for a while? Sand is hard to walk on.
His fur was gilded with the stuff. Grains were still clinging to his paws. They were like snowflakes, but dumb. Adya had no choice but to ease himself down on yet more of them, and try to pick the sharpest bits out of his forepaw.