Shandom rarely wandered from New Dawn, but on the occasion he did the white male found that he preferred to stay in the Northern lands. The south, he'd discovered, was far more human and strange, and as a creature who lived predominantly on four legs he didn't enjoy exposing himself to such oddities. But he'd been restless as of late, and the Gamma decided to excuse himself from his family for several days, intending to make visits to the surrounding packs - especially Anethama. Or, at least, that's what he told himself. For whatever reason, Shandom could not help being a restless being. He enjoyed the thrill of solitude and the luxury of a family to return to.

Whatever the reasoning, the white wolf found himself trotting at a rather brisk pace in lands he wasn't exactly familiar with. It was a good sort of loneliness, and he was utterly content until he came upon the scent of another, and marked lands. The aroma was mingled with that of a kill, and Shandom was sure to adopt a non-threatening, but also non-submissive, posture as he approached the area. Coming close to the border, the white male wuffed to catch the attention of whoever lived there. His tail wagged in a friendly fashion and a genuine smile was spread across his wolfy face. It was always nice to meet someone new.

It did not take long for a younger male to appear, and Shandom quickly appraised him. Where Shandom might hold the advantage in height, the younger man appeared to have him beaten in the weight department. It did not concern him - the Gamma was a warrior trained, though he'd long ago forsaken that lifestyle. Still, he did not fear attackers, though this creature did not seem eager to attack. His tail was curled up on his back in dominant posturing, which the white male noted. The Gamma did not outwardly display himself, but he also would not submit to this boy. It was not a matter or respect or disrespect, but simply the reality of lone living. If this male decided to attack, he would face the wrath of New Dawn - it was quite rude to kill pack wolves, and also quite dangerous.

But he did not seem unfriendly, and Shandom sniffed him in return. He was clearly a loner, but he smelled healthy and strong. The pleasure is mine, Shandom commented, his trademark grin still across the scarred face. I am Shandom Qi'Vaex, Gamma of New Dawn. What is your name, friend?

Upon learning his rank, the stranger adopted a more respectful posture, which Shandom appreciated. It was true that the lands where he stood were not New Dawn's, but it showed that the four legged male knew of pack and pack hierarchy. The Gamma was not going to exude rank over this creature - they were, after all, in the unclaimed lands - but he still appreciated the gesture. He knew it was a hard life as a loner, and he sympathized with the man. His face was compassionate as he listened to Tharin's description of what happened to his pack, and Shandom dipped his head in respect for the stranger's suffering.

I'm sorry to hear that, Shandom replied gently. Famine is an unfortunate reality of life, but it does not make being separated from your pack any easier. But, if I may ask, what led you to the decision to live on your own here in a natural style? Unfortunately, we do not see much of that anymore - many of the wolves in this region try to live a....strange lifestyle, that my packmates and I do not understand.

Tharin seemed confused about Luperci, and it reminded Shandom of himself. He may have lived with the virus in his body for many years, but the alabaster male rarely visited his bi-pedal shape. It was strange, uncomfortable, and downright unnatural: he would not be willing to ever conform to the style of life so many of the wolves around here chose to adopt. And how could they have adopted such a strange one? Every fiber of his body felt that it was wrong, and the Gamma sometimes felt impure with the virus tainting his exalted lineage. The white male wondered if his brother, Odin, had the virus now, and if it spread to the rest of Etienne. Picturing the storied pack adopting a lifestyle like the ones in the Court was just strange.

That's what I'm talking about, yes, Shandom nodded, responding to his question. You're lucky you're not on two legs, and don't have..have the virus. I don't look down on those who have it, and make use of it, but I find it more of a curse than a blessing. It's why I went to New Dawn. Such a.... such a way of living goes against what we are. The Alphas, Zalen and Titania, have structure our pack in the traditional way. There are many luperci - two leggers, that is - who choose to live on four legs, and there are equally many non-luperci - wolves with the inability to shift. It's... He trailed off for a moment, searching for the right words. He always struggled with describing New Dawn! It's nice. It's exactly what I wanted. I wasn't born a shifter - I was changed when I was very sick, and it was done, I suppose, for medical purposes. But I don't like to live like that. Suddenly, Shandom realized he was babbling, and he shook his large head and laughed. I apologize. I tend to talk a lot.

Shandom was alarmed when he saw Tharin's hackles rise - was the wolf frightened of him? The white Gamma wracked his memory to figure out what, exactly, he'd said that could be deemed threatening before he deduced Tharin was likely new to the whole idea of Luperci. He understood what it was like to fear the creatures, though he supposed he was now one of them. Shandom had enough control to keep his face from betraying the sympathetic and pitying emotions that whirled within him - he assumed the boy would not appreciate such antics. It is a good pack, he said. I quite enjoy it there. You would be welcomed, you know. If you wanted a family. His face was open and genuine - the male would cheerfully escort Tharin to New Dawn borders, if the younger wished.

But Tharin had also asked about the virus acting as a medicine, and Shandom sighed. To be honest, I don't know. When I got this scar, I was - obviously - quite ill, and I came across a woman - a two legged woman - who said that if she infected me, it would be easier for her to heal my eye. I didn't...I didn't quite know what she meant, but I do know that I am able to still live because she fixed my eye. But, here he laughed, remembering his time with Tourniquet and Adonis, it didn't feel great, changing the first time.

A wide and friendly smile grew on his face, and Shandom wagged his tail eagerly when Tharin said he would like to come to New Dawn. Of course, he didn't outright say Why yes, I would love to be a part of your pack! Take me now! Instead it was a subtle request to see the lands, something the Gamma would be eager to do. His tour of the other Northern packs could be completed at another time; if Tharin wanted to join the moon-bound family, that had to be the first priority. Of course you may see it, Tharin, Shandom said, moving forward to gently bump heads with his new younger friend. He hoped the boy would not see it as a sign of offense; where Shandom was from, and in New Dawn, it was a traditional gesture of casual affection. He assumed it was like that for most wolves, but with the development of the Luperci he could not be sure. Then again, Tharin was not tainted like the virus. Not like him.

If you'd like, we could go now. Or you could finish your kill, and go then - or perhaps at another time. It is entirely at your discretion. Shandom did not want to put too much pressure on the man. New Dawn welcomed wolves who were called by the moon, lived a traditional lifestyle, and would be able to carry their own weight in the pack - it appeared Tharin matched all these criteria.

Shandom was happy the boy Tharin was interested in seeing New Dawn. A gentle smile was curled around his lips as his dark eye examined the younger creature, and the Gamma reassured himself that this would be a welcome and needed addition to the growing pack. It had taken off in a way he could never have expected, and the blossoming pride that overwhelmed his chest broadened the smile on his wolfish face. He knew he must look like a crazy person, but he didn't care: it was a good day, and it brought him joy when his moon-called family grew larger.

At the offer of food, Shandom shook his head, declining the polite consideration. I thank you for your offer, but I ate earlier today. It was true - the Qi'Vaex slayed a rabbit when dawn's first light made them disoriented and simple targets, and his belly was satiated. Let us travel, then, to New Dawn. It isn't too far from here if we move quickly. Please, follow me. With that, Shandom turned and picked up a brisk trot, his banner waving eagerly as he made his way back home.