our solemn hour

3/14: Editing in a conclusion.

As Elwood drew nearer, Hex adjusted his posture accordingly. He wasn't a wolf that demanded active submission from lower-ranked wolves, but he appreciated the gesture nonetheless. It showed that Hex had manners, and that he knew the importance of integrating himself into the pack. There had been other newcomers lately that hadn't been quite so polite.

He came to a halt a few feet from the Theta, leaving ample space for them to converse comfortably. The younger male admitted that he was trying to acquaint himself with the territory, to which Elwood replied with a chuckle. "I'd be happy to show you around a bit," he offered, thinking back to the last two tours he had given. Godfrey and Prima had been the recipients, and neither wolf had stuck around for very long.

Gesturing for Hex to walk with him, he started to move through the trees, following the gradual incline of the land as they neared the base of the caldera. "Have you been up to the top yet?" he asked; the pack's namesake was its most notable landmark.

When Hex expressed that he hadn't yet ventured to the peak, Elwood was happy to escort him. They spent the next few hours enjoying the views, then parted ways.