Neverwinter Forest Bandages

Shrike was not far from the stranger when he called out in a fierce voice. In fact, Shrike had only just caught the male's scent when the howl went up, strong and valiant, so with his tail curling over his spine and fur raising and stiffening like porcupine quills along his withers, he picked up a stiff-legged trot that took his briskly toward the competitor. The call was a challenge, and though he was not officially a part of the pack, he was a protector, especially now while Scimitar was gone. He pricked his ears forward as soon as the behemoth of a stranger came within his sight, but Shrike was not discouraged whatsoever. Perhaps he could be reasoned with- and if it came to a fight, Shrike was nimble on his feet, and an experienced guardian. He might just have a leg up on the stranger in the end anyway. 

He stood before the male, piercing gaze seeking the taller male's eyes to issue a warning that he was not welcome, and his call had been heard as a challenge. Shrike would not immediately charge the male, as conflict was not always the answer, and he would avoid it if he could. This male smelled of a pack, and he did not wish to cause any strife between the two packs regardless. The fact that the male was not a loner confused Shrike- why would a wolf from another pack jeopardize the peace by coming to the borders of another pack and issuing a challenge? 

"Explain yourself," Shrike said tersely, examining the massive stranger with contrite disbelief. He, of course, knew nothing of Neverwinter's bonds with other packs- save for Blackfeather Woods, of course. But he would not jeopardize the peace they possibly had with another pack, if it could be avoided.