Bearskins

As he studied her face for signs of her thoughts of his offer to help hunt for her pack, a smile bloomed on her lips and she was quick to offer him a home within Valhalla, stating that he would climb high in the ranks with what she saw today. He was thrilled to be accepted into her pack and his oceanic blue eyes beamed as he rumbled "I would be honored to be counted amongst your ranks." He dipped his head to her, in his mind, finalizing their agreement and pledging his allegiance to her and Valhalla. Of course, ranks did not mean too much to him, he never was an overly ambitious wolf, but he took his duties seriously and if that made him climb in ranks, then so be it. He glanced up at Enzi and saw that she too seemed pleased as she watched them but he had a feeling that no matter where he went, the raptor would always follow him. Aurielle then stepped to the side, allowing him to step forward and he headed towards the bear, making do on his second offer to help his new pack mates skin the creature. Ardyn introduced himself and thanked him for his help and Drachen smiled at the boy and replied "Nice to meet you. I'm Drachen Vaekhal. I want to say "Anytime" but forgive me when I say I hope it won't be a common occurrence." His hushed tones were light and almost playful. His eyes however, gleamed with excitement that showed that he would most definitely do it again should it occur.

He stopped beside the massive bear that was now on its back and Drachen took a moment to observe how the younger wolf was moving and cutting the skin so that he could do the same. He saw how Ardyn's claws were much like a felines and it now made since on how the Prince was able to cling on the raging bear's back. Drachen turned his black face towards Aurielle as she spoke once more, commenting about the friendship between Enzi and him while handing him a strange tool from one of her pouches. He took it gently in his mouth and laid it on the ground before him. It was piece of sharp metal attached to a leather brace the size of a wolf's forelimb. Quickly he put two and two together and attached the knife to his wrist and began to work on the hide, following Ardyn's pattern of cuts the younger wolf had done on the other side of the bear. He chuckled and flashed the raptor a mischievous grin before he replied "Yes, it seems. I fed her a few times and now I can't get rid of her.... Like a flea..." That earned him a slap of wings and a sharp tug of his fur as she swooped down past his head and landed on another branch with her back to him. "This idiot would drown in a puddle if I didn't keep an eye on him." Enzi replied and began preening her feathers in mock indignation.

Drachen shook his head with a smile as he worked on removing the bear's skin, the male sitting on his haunches with one paw holding back the pelt while the other with the knife sliced through the flesh, separating the hide from the muscles. "I have been well. I recovered quickly thanks to your treatment. From there I traveled north to some strange ruins. I would have wandered a bit more to familiarize myself with the land but obviously I am a bit neurotic about debts and came here to find you." He had no problem at poking fun at himself. He did not draw much attention to himself nor sought glory but he was confident enough in himself to make a joke at his own expense. Drachen made quick progress with the help of the sharp tool and moved past the shoulder of the bear, his dark forelimbs now glistening with blood that had soaked into his fur. His deep blue eyes flicked over to Aurielle's two toned gaze for a moment as he asked, his voice for the first time faintly hinting at any sort of uncertainty he felt "Have you been well?" The only pack he had ever been in was his Father's and the man did not enjoy causal conversations at all. So far, Drachen got the sense that the Spirit was very much different but old habits died hard and old scars never left the mind or body. The thick dark fur on the back of his neck twitched once at the shadow feeling of his father's fangs on his skin.