Phoenix Maplewood princess no more

"Ah," he uttered, "not that long actually." He felt a strange twinge in his gut, perhaps some form of guilt that he would stroll in and claim the crown when he had not proven himself to his packmates and had only just joined. "I've known Saena for some time, though." But it's not a good excuse and he knew it, but his expression said nothing. His gaze wandered from the wolf before to the smooth barked trees that comprised the maplewood.

"It is a nice place," he admitted, attempting to redirect the conversation, but as he turned his attention back to Gaia, he struggled to come up with the idle banter that used to come so easy. He exhaled softly. "I'm sorry," he said. "I do not like to be away from Saena and the pups for long. I'll take the bird to her and let her know you brought it. Thank you." Luke stood and gathered the bird in his jaws, dipping his head to Gaia before turning to leave.