Willows

Her response brought an easy chuckle from him, and a grin answered her questions. “The necklace is a promotion gift. The beads signify the ranks I’ve passed in our Warriors Circle. The teeth are for the Hunter’s Circle. And Steadfast Seeker is essentially Warrior Hunter of mid-rank.”

He lifted a paw, brushing the necklace with the top of a bracer encased wrist.

“I’ve still got a great deal to learn, and I intend to reach one of the beta ranks. This is a great step toward better serving my pack. My Spirit – or alpha – can generally still stomp my face into the dirt though. She’s a tough fighter. I was just promoted last night.” And he was still firmly planted on cloud nine.

She introduced herself, confirming in the same sentence his remark. She bore the same pack pride in her tone as she spoke of her training and he smiled, tail gently fanning the air behind him.

“It’s good to meet you, Malalia. I’ve heard of Ashen, but not the Armada yet. Ashen was our neighbor for a while up until the volcano erupted. They moved away soon after the hullabaloo settled.”

His head cocked lightly as he added, “What brings you out here, if I may ask? I was exploring before returning home from my promotion. Thought I might find some of my family lingering around in the mangroves a little way southeast of here."

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think