Thunder Dome three wise men

For @Jolon and @Frostrar.

Noctura's father, Crunch, was a tank. Huge, brutal, aggressive, and so feral that he was practically mute. Asterr was to Crunch what an ocean was to a desert. They couldn't possibly be more different. She was petite, dainty, peaceful and intelligent, with spirit and kindness in eyes that shone with promise. And Noctura respected her more than he had ever respected Crunch.

But his father had been the one to raise him, and no wolf could simply shake off their upbringing. For this reason, the dark male had avoided interaction with his packmates (save Asterr herself, of course), concerned that he might lash out on instinct. Noctura was polite and well-meaning and had no interest in power or dominance, but his father had made him a brute, and Noctura knew Thunder Dome deserved more than just a brute.

For this reason, as dusk came about and settled on the mountain in the form of a deep gray blanket, Noctura decided to venture into the more populated areas of the territory — pleasant spots where he had sensed various individuals he had not yet met. Around him rolled evergreens glistening with snowflakes. For the first time in his life, he was actively seeking company. He wasn't happy about it, but he was doing it anyway. For Asterr, for himself, and for the very concept of home.