It was only a matter of time until Thorn Russo sought out a new permanent home. Sleeping wherever he wanted in the neutral lands was nice but it would also be nice to have other creatures around him that shared his viewpoint. He had learned a little about the other packs and learned a little more from the passing gossip in snatches from other creatures. It had been the scents of a brewery that led the Russian toward the borders, and the accompanying scents of Luperci life that affirmed the decision in his mind. His pockets contained the small amount of trinkets he had scavenged and he hoped to head back the way he had come through Amherst to gather even more. He still wanted to get an apron after all.

Removing his fedora and tying back most his mane, he replaced the well-worm black hat and made his way to a position near the borders. Staying on the neutral side he reflexively adjusted his kilt, took a swig of his flask and wondered what it was like to be accepted into a pack as a newcomer. He had been born into the Sobirat'sya pack and then helped to found Syemv, he didn't need to wait for acceptance from a pack leader. This was a learning experience though, it was something else he could check off his bucket list and perhaps it would give him a new take on the pack mentality. He had seen strangers being accepted into his family clan and they seemed to have such respect for the pack after that. They were part of a group. They were chosen above others to share their experiences and talents for the good of everyone. This would be very intriguing regardless of the outcome.

Taking a small scrap of paper he had found in Halifax and a tiny nub of a pencil, he stood waiting by the borders, scribbling down his thoughts for later reflection.

Scribbling down words, Thorn easily drifted back to memories of home and memories of the creatures that had asked to join the pack to be part of the family. His words hastily scribbled onto the paper scrap echoed his thoughts and it was a while before he smelled another coming towards him and glanced up as he began to speak. The other male was taller than Thorn, who came in at a normal 6'10", and was rather impressive. There was something about his colouring and his large stature that reminded him of Salvaged Eternity and with a little sigh he wondered if the rumours were true. If the she-yote had killed the demon and rid the world of his lime-green eyes. Attention back to the present Russian… and Thorn gave Saul another sideways glance. If things were different and the scent of another wasn't mingled with his fur Thorn might even ask him whether he considered playing for both teams if he didn't already. But strangely enough this wasn't the best time to consider such things and instead to focus on proper respect.

There were days when he woke that he felt every day of his age. His joints hurt a little at times but otherwise the "medicinal herbs" he consumed seemed to dull the pain a little bit. This time however his age wasn't so apparent when he bent to one knee and removed his cap. Setting his green gaze downward he curled his tail around his haunches and rested his hands on his knee. It was probably a little extreme but he had always been taught that alphas were like kings and kings needed proper respect. "My name is Thorn Russo, I come to these lands from Russia, my homeland many years ago. I return there to raise family, now I seek family that will take me in to share my experience and skills. Vinátta sound and smell like that pack."

Word Count :: 281 Not as crappy as this one. Poor Thorn is pitiful and thinks Saul is cuuuute.

Thorn set his cap on his knee and shifted his weight slightly, exhaling slowly as his body settled into a more comfortable posture. Thankfully he hadn't partaken of the weeds that helped clear his head, they often made him fidgety and right now fidgety was the last thing he wanted. When Saul asked his question Thorn's lips pursed and he let out a sigh. It had been both the hardest thing in the world and an easy choice to make. His children were grown up and off attempting to make families of their own and he had memories here that he didn't have in Russia. Was that a good enough reason for the aging Luperci to pack everything up and come back to North America? In his mind it was and hadn't his brother done something very similar? His scent, although very faded and decayed, had been in the motel. That was enough to assure him that his younger brother was a smarter creature than he.

Smiling, the Russian pirate lifted his head slightly, staring past the leader towards a world he wanted to enter. Look for your goal and follow the path. "The truth, sir, my children have grown. They have family now. I have best times of life here with brother, Rurik Russo." The white and black wolf paused there hoping the name would ring a bell before continuing, "I am Russian, proud Russian, but I want to help family Vinátta if they don't mind old me." He knew the questions the scouts asked in Russia, he just hoped it wasn't overstepping. He didn't think he had it in him to find another pack and do this again.

"Fortunate to have you." Those words rang like clear church bells from a cathedral. It was an excellent sign that soon he could get up and wonder through these beautiful smelling pack lands. "I am glad." As soon as it seemed like the other wolves knew him he was going to find that brewery. The last he wanted is for them to think he only came here to imbibe. That was just one of many reasons. His legs didn't feel as sore as he thought they would and he finally completely shifted his weight onto his heels and smoothed out his fedora on his knee. Salt and pepper tail wagging quietly behind him he took in a big breath and then slowly, quietly exhaled. He couldn't help but wonder what Rurik would say to all of this, then again if Rurik was here then he surely wouldn't have to ask for acceptance into a pack, his brother would just assist him.

What skills could he offer? Well his age was a very good start but at the same time Thorn felt a trickle of worry start at his brain and trickle like ice water down his spine. Thankfully he had other skills, a skill set that could assist any pack. "I am excellent cook and make good ale," Thorn proudly stated, he really missed wearing an apron and wondered, as only Thorn could, whether it would go with his current kilt. "I know herbs and spices to make all food taste good. I can start cooking fire and very good scavenger for things Vinátta will need. Good with pups and good with, what is the name… happy plants, that burn into calming smoke." The older Russo wasn't one hundred percent sure if his drug use would be looked down upon but he hoped he said it in the kindest way. He added, just to clarify, "if these plants are allowed. I know rules are rules." There that should cover his butt.

Black tipped ears twitched and he relaxed his posture a tiny bit more. This was going quite well! Thorn's tail wagged a little quicker and he smoothed out his fedora for the hundredth time. Saul's news of a brewery confirmed the traces of a scent that he had followed to these borders. He was anxious to see the brewery proper, perhaps he could meet others that could aid in the repair of the building or even get them to apprentice under his skills. The last thing they would want would be the old Luperci dying before he had a chance to pass the recipe down. He had learned the brewing techniques from an uncle and now, finally he would be able to show others how to brew a good pint. The Russian couldn't help but imagine great feasts, with deer roasting over fires and wooden cups of good, strong ale. This is what he hoped to bring to Vinátta, good times. "Yes. Good idea. Perhaps we involve more of pack in brewery things, then have feast when beer is bottled. Just a thought."

The one worry, his love of Mary Jane, was easily resolved with a shrug of the leader's shoulders and a cautionary rule. Thorn listened carefully and nodded quickly, it was never his intention to encourage anyone who did not already know of the stuff. Surely Saul didn't think he would intoxicate the puppies? That would be foolish and unnecessary, they would most likely find out about it on their own when they were older and exploring the ruins. "I keep that to myself. I cause no worries." It was then that Saul said the words that Thorn hadn't realized he had longed to hear, Would you mind following me to Jordheim? A smile plastered itself onto Thorn's muzzle and he stood, immediately placing his fedora on his head and smoothing out the slightly wrinkled kilt. "Da. Would like to very much." This was his new home. As he walked his tried to quietly stretch his legs, maybe he was getting older.