So he had skulked about in the fields and forests, avoiding all news and contact, barely even keeping himself fed as he wandered in cowardice. It was like when he first left his homeland, only now there were those who knew of his absence. He had been demoted again and again, until now he was nearing omega status; it mattered not. He didn't have the spirit to hold authority, at least not during the conflict with Inferni. Now... Well, now there was change in the air. Slay felt the black tip of his tail begin to stir, and he allowed a small, embarrassed smile onto his muzzle as he edged nearer to the gathering. He knew his handsome coat was a mess - mud, brambles, matted fur, and his half-starved ribs poking out would hardly leave a good first impression to the wolves he hadn't met - but they weren't the ones he was excited about seeing. At least this time it would be what was on his fur, rather than the colour of his fur itself, that would make him stand out...
"C-Cer... w-welcome back," he murmured, bowing his head in deference to her rank. Might as well be polite in case she was angry with him - and so she wouldn't lose face in front of the others, if he was overly-familiar with her. Once again he was over-thinking their relationship, but he couldn't help it; it had been too long...
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