Big Salmon Lake some people want it all

Kadezj licked at his forepaws, arching over slowly to do so, careful on every muscle as he moved it. His tension relaxed as Justice accepted the reprimand for speaking out on the memory of his brother, and he could feel her begrudgingly shifting to a new stance - in her mind, not body. He did not offer up any sign of acknowledgement for the win. He knew that as twisted and manipulative as his motives were, he was also right in this case. They did need each other to survive.

And they probably also needed others. This scents of game and predators were both strong here, and he could not help but absorb it. In a way, he feared it - he was weak, obviously injured, and not fit to stand against another warrior. But he also knew this place. The khalas had traveled near it before. The packs that roved here each kept to their own territories quite strictly - something he wasn't all too understanding of, but also comforted by as a loner. He did not feel he would be forced to fight unless they crossed those territory boundaries. But join them?

"A pack grows slowly, leishak," he replied when he finally ceased grooming. "They will gather around us in time, when I am fit to lead them." He guessed, somehow, this was not entirely what she meant. "Would you wish us to leech off the backs of others until then?" he asked for clarification.