His tail arched high behind him, wagging cheerfully as Kiara licked his ears, the usual affectionate greeting. Her words were bright and spirited, Tharin turning to look over the mixed male. He knew about dogs, having been told about them, but the variation in them still intrigued him, seeing the bright colors and the different forms their bodies took. The curled tail was intriguing, as it looked almost challenging to Tharin, despite knowing it was just part of how dogs functioned.

His ears pricked as Jiva dismissed himself. He was truly that busy? Tharin looked down at Ariel, wondering what could have made him do that. Tharin kept himself quite busy usually, hunting, patrolling, and practicing fighting so he could help protect his pack, but that didn't mean he was so busy he couldn't spend time with pack mates. He whined softly, wondering if Kiara knew what was so important he left like that.

It looked like Kiara, despite being more used to the strange behaviors the wolves in the area exhibited, didn't understand his actions either. Pushing it away he settled down, letting the morning's light bathe over the pack. Taking in a deep breath he smelled the various plants through the area, slightly damp with dew. His ears twitched, listening to the chatter of birds, smelling mice that were probably across the stream a short walk off. It was good to just sit and take things in, not feeling pressured to talk or do things to fill the time, content with simply being near her.

He turned his head to Kiara as she spoke, tail wagging softly at her words. Yes, New Dawn was a good place to be. It stilled at the last words, eyes sorrowful at the mention. Maybe if he'd spent more time with the family, marked the borders stronger. Kohaku would have still wandered though, off to meet one of the fates pups tended to fall victim to. Pushing against her he shared the sorrow quietly, letting the pain ease. You're here now. Part of the pack. That was what mattered.

Kiara leaned into him, his body taking the full weight of her slim form. She was so small compared to him. Usually the difference went unnoticed, both too occupied with their games and activities to really note their differences. She was always so big in his mind, powerful and spirited. Like nothing could get her down. Her true size though, so small and delicate, weighed on him now. All he could do was stand there, and hope that he was enough to protect her, and care for her. The pack would willingly help, but he still felt the need to stand strong, wrapped around her.

Sorrow filled the air, simply shared and felt by everything around them, before being washed away again. They were silent, resting together before Kiara's words broke it, the pain fading away. It would still hurt, but the razor sharp edge of the sorrow wouldn't remain any longer. Yes, your pack. My pack. Our pack. He leaned down, licking at her face softly, letting the joy of the pack replace the sorrow that had been, tail beginning to raid. He stepped back, indicating for her to follow. There was enough time for a run before Lucia woke up. They could see the territory together, reclaiming it for the pack.

He dipped down playfully, nudging her again before he broke into a run. They couldn't go too far, mindful of when the small pup would wake up, but they could take a good run at least. Kiara's slim form would easily keep up with his loping pace, one designed to devour distance with travel. He crossed through the soft grasses that grew by the banks, soon reaching a broken stretch of concrete. The chunks were large, barely visible with the grass that grew through it. He gave no more thought to the broken road than the breeze passing by him, almost gone from the lands entirely.

Small saplings soon formed, and he was entering into the forest that coated a large portion of the land. Space was wide between them, the trees still young. The tall ones bent easily, not yet strong enough to stand tall, dappled light coming through. The scent of prey reached his nose, the angry chatter of a squirrel coming in as he raced underneath the tree. Slowing down he paused to mark a tree, strengthening his ties to the land. Smiling he turned to Kiara, tail curled high.

Kiara trotted up beside him, the scars on her body visible beneath the short coat. They were horrible to look at, a reminder of times when she had been vulnerable to death. Even if Tharin hadn't known her before, the most recent addition on her shoulder aggravated him to no end, feeling like a failure every time he saw it, knowing he hadn't managed to protect her. He stretched forwards to nuzzle her, but Kiara was already bounding away. The large wolf watched for a moment before letting out a bark of laughter and stretching out to join her.

His paws covered the ground rapidly enough, the darker coloration letting him blend into the surroundings, following the white flickering in front of him with ease. There was no chance of losing her with that brilliant coat. They reached the den, ears pricked to see if they'd be turning in, but the female continued past, soon entering a more rocky terrain. Large paws gripped the rocks, letting him navigate among them, slowed down as he moved through, reaching Kiara's side to gently bump her, hoping she'd lose her balance.

Kiara stumbled at the push, struggling for a moment to catch her balance. Tharin slowed down, tongue lolling out. His lips were pulled back, looking almost as if he was laughing as he watched her. It was rapid before she rolled, giving up and softening the blow of going across the rock. Tharin's tail wagged rapidly, dancing in place as he looked down to where she laid, looking at how ridiculous she appeared.

Tharin stepped over to where she was, laughing at the sight of her legs dangling in the air. Kiara wasn't angry fortunately, just growling playfully. Cheater? I did no such thing! I simply ran against you, that's all. Your tiny body just couldn't help it. Ducking down he nuzzled at her happily, tail swaying as he teased her about the tiny size. She was so different from the other females he knew, and not just because she wasn't a luperci.

Uh oh. The grin on Kiara's face promised mischief, too sly for anything else. The large wolf tried to duck out of reach before her plans came to fruit, but he was too slow. The white female was already there, paws locked around his neck. Jerking back he pulled Kiara up, ending with it looking almost like a dance. His tail swayed as he stepped around, growling through what he could, Kiara's mouth keeping his muzzle closed.

It might have been a soft chew, but Tharin still fought against it, tail swaying wildly. Tossing his head he stood up, forepaws pushing against her body. He wasn't going to be taken down like this! Not after he had just managed to knock Kiara down. It was too bad he had so rapidly forgotten that Kiara was tough as nails, part of the reason why he loved playing with her so much. She didn't get injured easily, no need to hold back.

Kiara hung in the air as he backed up, supporting the white wolf with his own form. The athletic creatures twisted in the play, muscles bunching as they struggled to see who could get the dominant hand in the game. Tharin growled loudly, doing his best to shake her off. The grip finally loosened, Tharin's head freed from Kiara's sharp grip. Howling happily he moved in to snap at Kiara. She hadn't backed off though, head dipping down to snap at his paws.

The larger wolf was forced to twist back. In a bound there was distance between them once more. Backing off from her felt a bit silly, but he wasn't going to just stand there and let her make mincemeat out of his paws. He needed them attached to them. Tail wagging he circled around Kiara before pouncing forwards again. He wasn't going to admit defeat to someone smaller and weaker than him! Even if it was clear that she was every bit his match in skill.

His large body moved agilely. He knew this land, and knew it well. Taking advantage of that fact he came in, large body pushing over her as his jaws snapped to grab at her scruff and push her to the ground in a pin. Growls continued to emit from him, hackles raised. If it weren't for the good natured way his tail wagged it would look like he was about to kill her.