Phoenix Maplewood and way down we go

no words were exchanged before a cry met his ears, and the warm brown form of kitten appeared, rushing to stand between the two factions. hot on her heels was river, looming protectively over her. "mithra! merbani!" he snapped, sharper than he intended as fear pulsed through him. it was an already tense situation, and the pups' presence here made his blood pressure skyrocket even higher. "kya--"

then a kind-eyed female was speaking, in a language he didn't understand, before addressing them in broken common tongue. he softened, giving her a nod, but before he could affirm his former mate's judgment, the burly male spoke up, tone full of acid. he fixed his stare on the stranger, eyes firm but understanding.

"not callous, but pragmatic," adi responded, voice floating coolly across the way to--hopefully--caress the ivory wolves' ears and soothe the flames of conflict. "we, too, have many mouths to feed. if the times were better. . ." he sighed, blinking slowly at the sharp-tongued male. "forgive us, bhaiyya. we safeguard these woods not to hurt you, but for our own health, our own lives."

he then turned to the female who had spoken, his face sincere. "i am sorry," aditya murmured, feeling helpless. then he cast his eyes at kitten and river, a stern look blooming over his face. "stand beside me, bachchon," he commanded, but his voice was not as sharp as before, his speech to the male having quelled the surprise upon seeing them here.