turning seasons within (joining)

Kerberos had been in the process of patrolling the borders when the summoning call rose into the spiced air of the autumn, causing the sand colored Aok to pause in his paces. Triangular ears thrust forth, determining the creator of the summons’ location. For a few, hesitant seconds, Kerberos’ hermit shell -- which he felt sure had to have a tight rubber band around it, slamming it closed upon him any time he thought he had gained some progress -- slammed shut as he considered letting it up to Jinx; and then he stopped those thoughts, shook them away with a physical shake of his head. She had chosen him to be her Beta, to aid her, to be a leader beside her, to act as Atka’s Priest. Atka had encouraged him to take the offer. If he kept hiding someone would rise to challenge him, would question his worthiness of the heavy titles he bore. No. It was in his blood, and he was not the sullen, sulking child of his past. He had changed, and it had shown in the way that he did not cower in Lecter’s presence, despite how the Shaman had once tormented him (and despite the knowledge that said Shaman was his biological sperm donor). If he could stand up to Lecter and prove that he was no longer frightened of him, then learning how to speak in strangers’ presences and stepping up to the plate as Jinx’s Second in Command should, essentially, be a snap. Without any further trepidation, Kerberos pushed himself in the direction of the summons, coming upon her standing near the borders, finding her with little trouble. Her pale coat did nothing to camouflage her against the brilliant colors of autumn, and his sea green eyes surveyed her as discreetly as he could. Kerberos’ head rose as he approached, his expression tentative of her, but not unkind. Her coat was not unlike Jinx’s or, probably (if one were to wash off the blood that stained it) Lecter’s. There was an awkward sort of moment when Kerberos considered that she, whoever she was, was beautiful. He could feel the nudging given by Atka’s presence, the encouragement to speak first. Hello, Kerberos broke the silence in a soft greeting. I am Kerberos Aok, Beta Male, Agwe'en Bokor of Bon Dye, He paused inhaling softly and letting out. How may I assist you? He inquired politely, kindly, wondering if there was such a thing as ‘too kind’ when dealing with strangers at the borders.