Swiftcurrent Creek that aint no lie

thorn rose as a crackling noise announced someone's arrival. his breath held, he waited for the approaching wolf to become visible -- there was a ripple of white and aria's figure broke through the snowblind canopy, her ears perked in interest.

the black shade hung back as she inspected his wares, his own expression one of apprehensive eagerness. with his limbs gracefully folded in a non-threatening posture, the inky male moved towards her with his thick brush of a tail wagging loosely at his hocks.

her first words confused him for a moment -- but then he recalled their conversation before. "good," he growled, pulling as close to her as she would allow. "then it would be easy for you leave it to make your own someday." thorn was nothing if he was not pragmatic in his desires -- find a mate, whelp children, forge a new pack, and start a dynasty alongside diaspora. yet for all of his careful planning, he was not a clinical wolf -- he could not help the thrill he felt to see aria stand before him.

the stalwart beast felt his heart pound -- for right now, he was standing closer to her than he had ever managed before.

extending a rough muzzle softly towards her cheeks, the brute sought to inhale her scent -- and perhaps learn if she was claimed by another man in her pack -- particularly, the stalwart one that seemed most keen on shielding her from thorn.