the lonely mountain

From the sound of things, Kadezj did not sound like that wonderful of a creature. Perhaps it was merely the emphasis that she placed on the words, or the honesty of them, that made Mordecai inwardly frown. The Spine had already kept its share of ambitious beasts and it was having lasted through them that Mordecai felt that was truly no way to be. But his contentedness was arbitrary; it changed almost as the day went on. It was something that he found he needed to think on, and did so, trying to keep a listening ear for the words that continued to rise from her tongue.

It was further into their conversation that he came to understand she had not mistaken him for an alpha, but rather wondered if an alpha would take them in. His misjudgment of what she had perceived did not surprise him, though he briefly considered running with the notion that he was not some alpha at all. Then again, he had not gone throwing his dominance about in her company, let alone any titles. Instead he approached her query of their healer, or lack thereof. “We don't have one officially,” he said, pausing, “but I think we do have a wolf or two capable of the ability. No one's gone and formally claimed the job.” As much as he would have liked someone to, Mordecai was not entirely sure whether or not he could push or usher them in that direction.

“So how well does he keep his word? I know you realize you're asking for a lot, but if this companion of yours is a smooth talker, I want to know how well he'll come through.” Mordecai had little issue with him dispersing when the time came, but until then, he saw on the horizon of his mind that there were a plethora of problems that could stem from a creature such as Kadezj. And that troubled him most of all.