He’d spent a day or two exploring the two lands Valhalla claimed, deciding on possible shelter-points that would be able to guard his large frame from the worst of the winter weather that was on its way around the corner. The stallion had pegged a spot in the hillock that was a likely source of cover, and now stood, grazing quietly around the place Aurielle had said was the location the pack would meet on occasion. His ears twitched at a slight rustle of paws, though one could easily mistake it for fending off a fly, especially as his tail flicked soon after. He was ready to dance out of the way in case the pack hadn’t gotten the memo that the big glowing white unicorn was a packmate. Isolde drifted to land on his withers, head cocking to study the wolf that had yet to pop from the grass, and Taliesyn turned his head slightly as he chomped a mouthful of grass, one brilliant, large eye focusing on the indistinct figure, as he chewed, swallowed, and said nonchalantly, deep voice rumbling, "Good morning." Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

The boy had been planning on trying his paw at hunting, but whatever took those big booming steps ahead was clearly too much to a child to tackle alone. Still, maybe if he got a peek at it, he could let one of the older wolves know, and they’d be able to come and get it? With the days growing shorter and colder, surely it was important to get as much food together as they could. Just like that squirrel had been doing with the nuts.

His eyes just about bugged out of his head when the thing said Good morning, in a voice that seemed to reverberate right through his skull. Oversized ears turned back for a moment before curiousity got the better of him (he did try, but Arne was not exactly a very clever child). Pushing though the long grass, blades catching on the small tushes on either side of his dark face. When his eyes finally adjusted to the bright beast, it almost seemed as bright as Ardyn’s mother, the only word that managed to leave his mouth was a low whispered "Coooool!" as his tail began to wave at his back with delight.

"speech".

running around like a clown on purpose

Out of the grasses popped a pup, and the creases around the stallion’s eyes crinkled, the corners of his mouth twitching into a fond smile as he regarded the young predator. Foal, pup, kitten, he had a soft spot for the innocent of the world. Far from being intimidated beyond the blinking and wide-eyed moment, the pup seemed thrilled, tail beating the air. It seemed that Aurielle and her son were not the end to the unique wolves Valhalla had to offer, as it seemed the child sported young tusks. Taliesyn’s nostrils flickered in a soft chuckle, as he greeted, “I’m Taliesyn. What’s your name?” Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

The big beast spoke, and Arne could understand it! He boldly stepped closer, walking underneath Taliesyn’s belly and wearing between the massive hooves that could easily crack his skull open. He stood between the horse things front legs, looking up in awe. "I’m Arrrne!" there was a little rolling growl on the extra r’s, like he might be displeased with his name, or maybe he was only used to hearing it when he was in trouble.

The boy removed himself from his precarious position in time for a young warthog piglet to emerge from the grasses where he had just been. It squealed and rubbed its tiny tushes against his rump and he giggled, shoving it with his hip and bounding a step away. "This’s Arrrvid," The boy introduced the warthog with a face splitting smile. "He keeps followin’ me." He didn’t sound disappointed at all.

"speech".

running around like a clown on purpose

The wrinkles around the teal eyes crinkled in a smile as the boy came a little closer, bravely stepping in between the great forehooves dressed in their heavy feathering of glowing white hair, soon joined by a warthog piglet. The stallion’s head bowed, and he whuffed playfully through his nostrils at the boys, a soft nicker rippling his nose. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Arne, and Arvid. I think you two look like the best kind of friends. Warthogs are very fierce when grown up, and even young. I once watched a warthog piglet stand up to a lion, you know.” He didn’t add that the lion had, in the end and after a lot of initial confusion, eaten the little hog. Being a wolf, the boy would likely grow up to find out such things for himself, and likely would be the one hunting prey animals. He couldn’t say as he’d ever seen a wolf with tusks, though—although he’d also never seen a wolf with looks like Aurielle, her son, or many other things he’d seen at the Festival, including a young wolf with what seemed like bear paws for feet and spikes on his elbows and … did wolves call that spot a stifle, too? He studied the pup with a kind eye, looking him over as he remarked, “You have lovely tusks, I might add.” Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think