Swiftcurrent Creek lost in space

The stranger bowed, which would have been appropriate enough for the red-banded guard at an earlier age, but now—attempting to evolve into the nature of his current packmates—Phoenix felt like this wasn't good enough. He wanted the threat on its back; exposed and apologetic. But between his softer side and knowing he didn't necessarily have time for trivialities in the level of submission given, he allowed the trespasser his voice.

Half-listening, half-snuffling, he examined the gold-masked wanderer; up close and very personal in a way that might've been familiar to the lone wolf. A lone wolf who, in another life, had needed to get used to these same kind of manners from an older, greyer version of the wolf before him now. Once certain that he wasn't a threat and smelled nothing of sickness, Phoenix chanced to look away; his gaze darting wearily for signs of others coming. "You're lucky I'm here first. Apologies aren't worth much to this pack -- my pack -- when you're this far in," he said seriously, giving the male's shoulder a firm nudge. It was clear he didn't share the same sentiment as his mates... at least not yet.

"Let's get to the borders. Quickly."