The man breathed out, allowing the mild winter air to caress his coat. His golden eyes were thoughtful as he looked across the plains, thinking of the past and reaching back. But no matter how much he pawed for what was there could only be one direction to move; forward. He thought quietly to himself; was he a walking contradiction of his own morals? One who could be merciful and yet... The grudges he held... The man shook his head, uttering a soft sigh. He didn’t feel whole anymore. Something had definitely stirred with the youngest litter of his sister being born. He felt lonely in a way he hadn’t before. Did he long for companionship? Maybe to father a litter of his own? Castiel allowed his golden eyes to slowly close. Did he have time for such a thing anymore? Courting was not just something one could do willy nilly. It was something that took time. Suddenly the man felt old, so very old... Like he could fade away at any moment. Of course that wasn’t the case... But Castiel had discovered something as he sat there alone. He wanted something more. More than Celestial had been able to provide him thus far. Was that selfish? He felt his heart clench at the thought, eyes opening into small slits. He would never betray his family... He wouldn’t leave them... Not again. He swore he’d never leave them again. But... Surely something could be done about this pain in his heart? "Speak"

The aging male was thankful for the cooler temperatures with the onset of Winter. Of course it was nothing compared to the colder climate of the north, but since this was one of the most southern territories he didn't expect anything too serious. This Winter did seem milder than the last, but cold was cold and it certainly felt better than the blazing heat of the summer. Either way one wouldn't find him complaining. The weather was more than tolerable after all. With every season change though Creed felt himself more and more nervous. Come summer time he'd be eight and he couldn't help but wonder if he could have done anything different with his life. Had he spent it the right way? He'd had no love interests, hardly any family left, and he felt like he hadn't accomplished a whole lot. Sure he'd seen quite a bit of the world, made a home here, but he still felt like he could have done something more. His life was missing something. Rather than dwell on things he couldn't fix the male decided to make the most of the crisp chill of the weather and the beautiful day. He padded out of the main den and decided it was a good day to take a walk. He traveled for a little while going nowhere in particular when Castiel's scent hit his nose. He was pleased that the male had found his way back home. He knew Surreal and the rest of her family had been upset when he'd gone missing. Veering off of his original path, Creed decided to seek the male out to see how he was doing. He hadn't really had any one on one conversations with Castiel so Creed was curious. He wanted to get to know everyone in the pack thoroughly. Not only did he feel like it was his job as an Alpha, but he wanted to be familiar with everyone. He was the friendly sort after all and there was no harm in it. Perhaps having a male friend his own age would be good at well. He found Castiel sitting and the fluffy male offered the ivory male a soft tail wag and a light smile. "Mornin'." He said softly, taking a seat near the other wolf. "How are ye?" Walk, "Talk" Think

The pale man had not expected to hear a voice, though he was rather glad when he did. Golden eyes turned towards Creed, a light shine within them. In his bit of time alone, selfishly thinking, he’d recalled his time spent with Kalliope thus far. The femme was a breath of fresh air to his life. She made him wonder what more there was out there and if, perhaps, some more time away from Celestial could be warranted. Maybe one day he might be able to convince Kalliope to come to the pack, to get a feel for how it was... But until then... “Good morning, Creed.” The man dipped his head to the other. They were both getting on in years... Perhaps Creed could understand Castiel’s woes and offer a bit of advice. The brute took a slow breath before speaking. “Creed... Do you believe that sometimes a man must be selfish? To put some of his own needs or desires first?” The question hung in the air, golden eyes resting on the right wing of Celestial. "Speak"

The gray male's head tilted slightly to the side as he regarded Castiel. He briefly wondered if he'd interrupted any peace or thinking the other male might have done, but he didn't sense any ill intent so Creed brushed it off. He was sure if the ivory male was upset by his presence he would make it known. So with content in his posture, the male curled a fluffy tail around his right haunch as Castiel greeted him rather warmly. Ears would flick forward curiously as Castiel pressed a question he wasn't expecting. So it seemed he was thinking about something after all. Creed would take a moment to think about how he would answer before he replied. "Ah think it depends on wha' needs an desires those are." He said slowly. "Ah also believe tha' ye can' serve yer pack to yer bes' abili'y if yer no' happy either. So if it's happiness one desires then no, it's no' always awful ta be selfish." Honesty was certainly not something Creed would hold back from another wolf. While he'd been surprised by Castiel's question, he understood it in a way. He wondered what brought it on, but he wouldn't press quite yet. Walk, "Talk" Think