[html]
He had sent the day hauling water. The task was a large one for a single beast, and there were many horses that needed the life-giving element. Thankfully the stream was close, but with buckets only so big, and having only so many it took many trips. There was water that was needed, and as always stalls that needed mucking, and then horses that needed grooming. The work was hard, and made for a long day. But it was his work, and with that he gained purpose. And purpose brought him a great sense of balance. The male always smelled of horse, it clung to him as greatly as his own personal fragrance or that of the Cours pack. He went to the stream, below where he normally gathered water and bathed his face, hands and foot paws before turning to say good night to the horses. It only took a few moments, and the male began to head back to his small cabin.
Passing the racetrack was a normal routine, and he looked to make sure that there was no stray tack lingering. Hickory padded along behind him, the orange and white cat happy that there would be a warm lap to curl up on soon.
He did notice something amiss, but it did not come in the form of a halter or lead. He could smell the coywolf before he caught sight of him, and instinctively Alder was eager to meet the face that he had met only once. But, then his heart rang out. And his mind began to whirl. Though Alder seemed intimidating at a glance, he was a sensitive creature and took Trent’s disappearance to heart. He had thought that they were friends, for Alder had reach out to him with the offer of help, food and a warm fire. He had also reach out and gently knocked on the large wall Trent placed as his defense. His own defenses now rose, pain and confusion did that to any beast. Even one as eager to please as Alder.
The coywolf was in his lupus form. And from what Alder could guess; his more comfortable state. The male forced a smile, and paused in his step when Trent came into view. The growing kitten rubbed up against the male’s legs, wondering what caused the delay in warmth and food and a soft lap. Trent's presence meant may things, more then Alder could even untangle, but one was very clear. He had gained acceptance into the Court, and that deserved a particular greeting. Welcome Trent.
[/html]
