Vesper lifted her scarred brow upon hearing the note of disappointment in the dark wolf’s voice, and she supposed that matter was settled; she guessed he liked her just about as much as she liked him. If she wanted to, she could have taken it a bit more personally, but she had learned the game of respect since dealing with other pack wolves. He knew nothing about her leadership and abilities, and for him to make assumptions simply placed him below her. That was her mantra as she kept her expression blank, knowing that Inferni could hardly benefit from her goading this man on. Sure, her displays of respect bordered on sarcastic, as she simply couldn’t help herself, but she was trying just as hard as the blue-eyed wolf before her was to be at least a little diplomatic.
Finally, the wolf gained a name: Jaden, the Issum of Sangi’lak. She filed that away, but just as she was about to move on, he added the name of his co-leader—and that one very familiar and dear to her heart. The previously expressionless coywolf’s eyes widened, and she straightened slightly, her ear turning forward as if to better hear.
“X’yrin?” Vesper asked, a little breathlessly. “X’y leads a new pack?” She shook her head, attempting to control her excitement. “Is she well? Why didn’t she come herself? She knows I’m here.” It would probably help diplomacy, too, although she kept that last bit to herself; saying that things weren’t going great would make sure they didn’t go great. At any rate, he hadn’t really had her attention until now, and she found herself longing for news of her friend and Shepard.
Distractedly, she nodded at his offer. She’d have to discuss all of this with Myrika, and she’d be sure to leave nothing out, but they could settle on details later. She was about to say so when the grey wolf, previously silent throughout the conversation, began to speak a bit too smoothly. Her brow furrowed as she turned her gaze on him, and when he spoke of liking the decorations, she yapped sharp laughter.
“I’m sure,” she said sarcastically. She flicked the coal tip of her tail, scooting it a bit closer to her scarred hind paw and considering him like she might a rabbit that had started barking. She smirked then, her tone almost playful although irony lingered within it. “Well then, observer, take all the notes you want, but I’m afraid the world would speak of Sangi’lak copying the horrible coyote clan if you try the same tactics at your borders.”
She resisted the urge to add more about the skulls, knowing that she would come across as a little she-yote with a worse bark than bite. It was good enough for her to know that a majority of the trespassing wolves had deserved their deaths, rather due to their stupidity or their cruelty. Unfortunately, even a few bone-decorated stakes didn’t discourage every murderer from encroaching on their borders, but they’d only be lending their skulls once she got hold of them.
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