in a little green boat

Though he understood that other wolves didn't share his own ideas of freedom being a top priority, and he didn't care to be rude enough to try to change their minds, that didn't mean he quite knew why they felt that way. obligation and responsibility? He saw no issue with his sisters spending long periods of time away from him, as it only made their time spent together that much sweeter. He couldn't picture spending so much time with either of his sisters - especially Sabine. Surely she'd be chewing his ears off by the second week. Literally, too. He nearly chuckled at the thought, though his attention was brought back to the present by Orica's lovely voice, echoing off the walls of the ship.

The words she said seemed like a bit of a saying, and he found himself putting it in the back of his mind.  "I like that," he murmured appreciatively, smile twitching the corners of his lips. He liked that this woman seemed wise beyond her years, though truthfully he'd been spending too much time with younger wolves.. perhaps he was just glad to be among older company, like himself.

He had no issue with describing his own qualities to her. In many ways, Aki was very much an open book.. and he knew many wolves were confused at his own starkness. He always found himself amused at how some seemed envious of his freedom, while making no effort to question their own situations. Orica was unapologetic in her own views - family over freedom, at all costs. He wouldn't judge her for that, though he couldn't imagine wanting such a thing for himself. Another laugh bubbled from his chest at her question. Had she just referred to him as though he was a descendant of a war god? "You could last plenty long,"  he said certainly, his head nodding slightly as he examined her.  "I have no doubt that you could sweet talk me into swallowing an herb that could kill me as quickly as any wolf could."  She had different survival skills than he did, but he had no doubt that hers were just as useful, only in a different way.

He did understand better as she explained it. She liked being useful, liked being around those who needed her and appreciated her. Did he hear a hint of nostalgia in her words when she spoke of stability? He wondered what had happened to her, in her life, to make her speak of things like that.  "And, like you said, in the end you're the one us warriors come running to when we're an inch from death."  Though he'd never needed to seek out a healer, and he wasn't sure his ego would ever let himself do such a thing.. but he loved living, that much was true. He considered it, letting his head fall to his forepaws as he gazed at her in quiet thought for a moment. "I hope you find your family, Orica. It seems important to you. Hopefully you find nothing but stability in your future." He grinned again; someone who was passionate about anything was doing better than many, and he'd certainly met some wolves who seemed hopeless. Like nothing mattered at all in the world. He couldn't imagine living such a sullen life.