Larksong Grotto Riding alone, town after town, toll after toll

She sought a home. Of course, Reek could have guessed. Typically there were only two reasons for wolves to show up to knock at his door: One, they're called (in the case of Thuringwethil and her escort) and two, they're displaced wolves looking to make the grotto their home. Reek was not above opening his home to those who truly needed it, however, he felt himself as no charity worker. As with all wolves, if Aspen had nothing to offer, she would be turned away.

Reek felt he needed fighters, especially with the looming suspicion that the maplewood would eventually come to meddle with his claim. He needed all the able bodied wolves he could get in the sake of preserving his security, in which Reek had already gone to great lengths to ensure. If she could walk the walk and back up her words, then Aspen would surely find her home within the grotto.

He made note of Eslani's approach, but payed her no heed. His business was with the prospective joiner. However, it was nice to know that if things went to shit, he would have back-up. Taking a step forward, paw sinking into the mud before him, Reek dipped his front end down to initiate a spar. "Show me," he said. "If I like what you've got, you can stay."

Body bowed in waiting, Reek readied himself for Aspen's coming assault.