In these desprate times

Gargoyle?s greeting was returned with equal vigor. And despite the blow to the head, Awaken was quickly spouting off an explanation. The Timber cross shook his head. ?Idiot? he thought with unconscious fondness. But then, it was exactly like something that one of his giant family members would do. It was Awaken?s fearlessness that endeared him to Gargoyle ? from the first time they?d met and Gargoyle had invited him to go hunt for boar. Whatever mess was in the male?s past, he?d proved himself plenty of times and Gargoyle was happy to have him back. But enough with the sappy thoughts. Gargoyle had only ever formed friendships with a few males, Rogue and Awaken being the only living ones at the time, and when it came to them, he showed a bit of the joking side that was underneath the deadpan Alpha. He could be more relaxed and more blunt. He could spend hours with them and say only what seemed fit. And of course every so often he might crack off a stinging insult just to show he still cared.

In all the pressure and chaos that had happened in the past few weeks, there was now a glimmer of relief that only the ugly mug of a friend could give. In answer to Awaken's last question, Gargoyle flicked his tattered ear dismissively. He snorted "Get your rump in here." He turned away, twitching his stub tail. In a larger wolf it would've been a wag of the brush to gesture for the other wolf to follow. But, eh, Gargoyle didn't really need that, no doubt Awaken would come charging along anyway. The Chief kept his pace at a walk though, treading over the dark, almost black volcanic soil and the mirad of plants that were already flourishing in it here in the lower reaches of the mountain. Gargoyle had much to inform Awaken of - and began at once. "I came here looking for Desdemonda. The Tortugan queen had been a peaceful one, believe it or not, and once, during a run in at the Bay," he shrugged "I think she saved my life. Anyway, it was possible she would've sheltered our pack while we regrouped, but when I came, low and behold, she was gone. Tortuga had disbanded or, perhaps, moved." He didn't know which, and frankly, at the moment he had more pressing concerns than to find out, namely, finding a haven for his homeless followers. "I laid claim before any rogues could and so far everyone who has come south seems to be adjusting." Awaken would see that for himself when they got further in, but for now it was just the two males speaking. Gargoyle had more on his mind that he wished to say, but his words ended and silence began, inviting the green-eyed male to speak his opinions.