Arrow Lake fester

stigmata watched dully as kazimir, bolstered by the shadow of her general, became intolerant of their indifferent solicitor and sent her trotting off without further provocation. because the retreating wolf had spoken so quietly, stigmata had missed much of her retort to his packmate, but the exchange between them had been clear enough. coming to stand bristling and stiff-legged at kazimir's side, he watched pitilessly as the stranger disappeared from sight, before allowing himself a slow deflation.

"you made the right choice," he praised softly, bobbing his head to her. "any vagabond lingering at our borders without calling for an audience, or showing deference to each of us, does not belong here. and you should never feel the need to explain yourself. this is your home, as much as it is mine, and we will not suffer anyone we can do without." they were, after all, naturally superior to the lone wolf, and he felt no regret to see such prideful impudence go.

the wolf sighed, satisfied that they were completely alone then, and he nudged the russian hybrid's shoulder in a gesture to join him on a continued patrol. "did you exchange much else before i arrived?" he asked as they began to walk.