King Elk Forest pretty noose

Though Vex's words gave him welcome to her newest domain, the smile that accompanied them was bone-chilling. Yet when she beckoned, he followed her, shrinking along to her left and slightly behind. One of his ears pricked in curiosity when she mentioned her young. Something he had  immediately noticed about Vex was the milk-scent she carried, which new mothers always had; it was a scent he had detected several times over his years. The tip of his tail waved a few times, but he made no comment. Pups were joyous things. He thought their presence might soften some of the fear he was carrying into his new circumstances.

Their paws brought them deeper into the territory as Vex spoke to him, both to bring him up to speed on her plans and to ask if he wanted to lend his skills in healing. The young woman was ever so direct, quick to demand what he intended to do for her. But this was what was necessary of leaders. 

Yeah, I can do th-that, he agreed with a small nod. "I c-can begin t-to gather r-right aw-way. You... you'll need a d-doctor, if w-war is in your... in your plans." He looked over at her anxiously. His voice had fallen at the end, and he hoped she did not detect the sadness he felt. He grew tired of the Cruor propensity for violence, not always understanding the need for it, yet knowing there was little he could do to change it.