Phantom Menace

The alpha pair of Elysium had been finishing applying fresh scent markers around the Firefly Lake in their last phase preparations for absorbing the land into the pack's fold when the call for them rang out in the early morning air. Alastor lifted his head, hot breath cutting through the cold air in a humid cloud while he cocked his head with curiosity. Manea sidled up beside him, musing about who could be calling them this early in the day. "I haven't a clue, my dear," he replied. He certainly didn't recognize the voice, but that just meant they'd be meeting someone new today! Glancing back to his wife with an equally amused grin, Alastor leaned into her kiss before returning one to her crown and following alongside her as the two Mendaciums made their way to the Rock Garden's far border.

Upon their approach, another male wolf was spotted waiting for their arrival. The brute wore the same colors as him, though in far more distinctive banded streaks across his giant form. The wolf matched him in height and build, but not in age, his features still wearing the softness of youth and his eyes bright and focused. Atop his crown, the stranger wore a set of curving horns, and already Alastor knew Manea would be admiring them and inspecting him for further mutations. They approached the stranger, Manea doing the honors of introducing them and starting discussions with their visitor. When she gestured to himself, Alastor nodded his head to the other wolf, giving a simple, "Hello!" before quietly studying the lad with curiosity. All the while, the little demented smile he always wore lingered on his lips while he observed the interaction between his mate and their guest. As always, he would let her do the talking—he would only jump in if he felt the need to. After all, he could learn so much from a wolf simply by watching them.

"Alastor Mendacium"