King Elk Forest He is not one of us.

The King told him to wait, and wait he did. He wanted to chat among everyone, to introduce himself. He felt so special for the time being, but as everyone's words became clear - something really did feel off. His wagging tail eventually slowed, coming to a stop in due time as he listened carefully, his heart thudding steadily into his ears, an acrid taste on his tongue... was he nervous? It felt like they all hated him, maybe it was just because he was new or something. A new face in the crowd to get use to, and he was rather different looking than they were too. He stuck out like a sore thumb, a freak he assumed, but the man really didn't quite clue in to what was happening.

Ignorance is bliss, is it not?

One guy, in particular, offered to share his den with him. Elijah's eyes fell on him, a thankful smile finding its way to his blackened lips, tail swishing again with life. Though it moved, it wasn't as vibrant as before, still, he was uncertain but all the more thankful for the kind words found in the sea of what he felt was almost hatred. Another spoke up and the man's tail fell silent once more, still as death behind him as he dared not to find that voice's face in the crowd. For now, his eyes would wash over the general tops of their heads, trying to look as friendly as possible. 

Willing to learn, willing to be a part of something more, to prove his worth and usefulness as a part of the pack. He had a friend here, a pretty one too - that made it all worth whatever would come his way.