The walking stick sunk through the path sometimes. It was much too pointed for the softened ground, mushy with the melted snow and flooded river. Mersey lagoon had proved a real challenge just days ago, but Dawali refused to let that stop him. Now that he was up and walking again, he impatiently returned to old habits and old patrol routes, despite the pile of duties that waited for his attention. He just liked to walk. Well, limp, perhaps. But the walking stick was adorned with little beads and feathers, and the rustling of those as he took every step was like music to his ears, despite his need for its support. He did not feel frail, because he was not frail. He was as strong as he had ever been, or so he liked to think.

He'd heard the howl and, curious, he drew nearer. He expected a newcomer and had picked up Liliana's scent before he reached them. It was not difficult to guess what the situation was about, and as he approached he observed the posture of his Master friend, and the greeting the two exchanged. Certainty jolted through his brain as he caught some of the words of the stranger as he finally reached hearing range. "...request the opportunity to join your pack if you so choose to accept me." Well then! Time for Dawali to shine once again. Lord knew Liliana had served her pack well during his illness. It would feel refreshing to take part again. "Greetings." he quite rudely interrupted before Liliana could say a word. He nodded at her and smiled, however, glancing very briefly at her stomach with a spark in his eye. "I am the Chief in this tribe." The red wolf male gave his usual semi-bow. The stranger appeared perfectly respectful. "So, you wish to join us. Tell me, what skills do you possess, with which you can repay us for a home in our village?" The male smiled politely at her, gentle-voiced as always. Still, there was an unmistakable air of authority about him.

She curtsied and he nodded approvingly: he had come to be quite used to such gestures by now, and was not uncomfortable with them. At first, he had failed to realize their purpose, but he saw it clearly now. The red wolf male studied her as he considered her words, thinking at first that she might find it difficult to hunt with them in that form. Was she able to take the true form? Perhaps; he couldn't know, but it didn't matter. Ember had hunted on four legs - surely this one could learn to cooperate. He knew Nayati to be a brilliant teacher, so likely this stranger would not have any problems learning. At length, the male nodded quietly, before speaking a few moments thereafter. "Very well. You will report to the Master hunter, Nayati, and do what he asks of you." he stated bluntly, observing the newcomer as he waited for her reaction. "Perhaps Liliana can show you into the Village: I still have some duties to tend to before I return." Duties, well... There were fences to look to, and he yearned to re-map the area.