Blinding sun shafts broke through the thick canopy of redwoods sweeping across Rhysand's pale pelt as he move though the forest. An autumn breeze moved through the trees, a small reminder that he was in fact in the North. Rhys always preferred cooler climates so he'd likely be the last to complain about the weather. There was no denying the beauty of the Forest. Redwoods towered above with smaller trees peppering the region, a small creek was in the distance which could only be heard as of now. The ambiance was delightful and Rhys couldn't help but take it all in for a moment. Green eyes flicked to the left and ears perked up as a flapping of wings were heard. Rhys raised a brow as he decided to turn and move in that direction. Paws met the earth with near silence as his slender figure moved through the forest. Curiosity came over him as he continued on... Was it another Wolf or maybe a snack? Either way he'd be pleased to have some entertainment.

Laith fluffed his fur up to protect himself against the cool autumn breeze. He wasn't that big of a fan of the colder months, and the autumn was already pushing him to the edge of his comfort zone. His steps were mostly quiet as he meandered between the huge redwoods, save for the crunch of leaves and snapping of the occasional twig. If he wasn't hunting then he had no reason to be silently prowling around like some weirdo. The fluttering of wings had his head turning on a dime, grey ears flicking forward to listen more closely. It sounded further in the distance, but had piqued his interest enough to get him to change his course of direction. Not that he was heading anywhere in particular to begin with. With a low mumble under his breath of curiosity, Laith moved forward at a gentle trot, tail waving behind him like a banner in the air. Maybe he'd find something fun, like an injured bird to play with. That'd definitely improve his mood. Before long he caught movement ahead of him, a creamy grey wolf heading in the same direction he was. Laith paused behind one of the redwood trees, angling himself so only his front half was able to be seen around it if the other wolf turned to look at him. His green eyes watched the other larger wolf, glittering with curiosity, but he made no attempt to catch their attention beyond purposefully stepping on a leaf so it crunched loudly.

Delicate steps were made as the male slithered closer towards the disturbance. Eyes were narrowed and ears flicked back as he slowly moved through the forest. Honestly, it could be anything from a Bear to a Rat... But, he was too curious to turn away from the matter. - The distinct and oh so satisfying sound of a paw pressing down on a large dead leaf caused his head to snap towards the movement. Pale green eyes took in the sight of a mostly grey Wolf trotting along. Rhys remained still, slightly low to the ground, as he studied this stranger. There was not much to read from a far so Rhys settled into a more neutral stance as  words were lifted from his jaws. "Cute." A smirk slipped across his lips. "A little explorer just trotting along." Rhys did not miss the fact that this stranger's tail was flagged, usually a signal of dominance. In direct response he also lifted his tail to display a match of temperament. He remained still as his eyes tracked the Wolf, ensuring there was no missed movement or sign of a threat. "I jest, of course." His attempt at smoothing out any offense that the stranger may have taken. "Where are we headed?" A direct question to distract from his previous condescending statements.

His ears twisted back momentarily at the term of endearment, eyes narrowed slightly while trying to determine if there was anything particularly sinister in the stranger's demeanour. He was a little affronted at being called little as he was not that small, but in comparison to the other wolf perhaps it was justified. Had a woman said the same thing Laith might have bristled his fur and gotten mouthy, but the attention was not untoward from the male. At least so far. The stranger also raised his tail with an air of confidence, though the following words seemed to be said with the intent to soothe rather than aggravate. To be honest he was giving Laith mixed signals which only left him feeling a bit confused. "I'm not little," he said somewhat petulantly, even going so far as to pout. "And you look like a gust of wind could knock you over." Was he being rude? Oh most definitely, but the size comment had pushed a button. As for where he was going? Well, that was a mystery even to him. Green eyes glanced momentarily around at the trees around them before settling back on the stranger. "I dunno yet." He still didn't quite know how to react to the other wolf, and so chose to be tight-lipped for the time being.

Rhys could find entertainment and value in all interactions he had. Even the dullest of moments had something to offer. Even if that was to not give a Wolf the time of day again. Thus, the pale wraith often found himself in these interesting and rather unpredictable scenarios. There was something about this grey and tan stranger that made him want nothing more then to push his buttons. Sometimes Rhys would get an unfathomable itch for chaos. Perhaps this was due to his more serious and calculative nature when it came to matters of import. When alone or even in the company of strangers those various masks tend to mysteriously vanish. The pushing of buttons paid off as the stranger spewed forth the words, "I'm not little." Rhysand's lips immediately rolled into an incredibly smug smirk. Even as that next rebuttal was tossed in his direction his expression radiated satisfaction. "And you look as though a Hawk is going to fly away with you any moment." Green eyes flicked dramatically to the canopy, "Best watch out, I think I see some rustling in the leaves." Rhys' attention moved back to the stranger as he broke out into a chuckle. "Fear not, I do not think you are that little. I was pulling your leg." He was enjoying spinning this stranger in circles of signals. Was he trying to insult him? Or was Rhys actually joking around? Honestly, it was likely he didn't know either.

There was a low rumble in his throat as the stranger continued to speak, indicating that Laith was not happy at all with the conversation. Whether his annoyance would result in a physical response even he did not know yet, but he was giving ample warning that his fuse was running dangerously low. Though Laith could dish out his fair share of insults and targeted comments, his own ability to take them in response was not nearly as high. Did that make him a hypocrite? Absol-fucking-lutely. Laith didn't even spare a glance upwards, instead staring venomously at the stranger, feeling the skin on his muzzle wrinkle slightly in the beginnings of a silent snarl. He had been about to say something not very nice when the stranger chuckled, his next words somewhat soothing Laith's ruffled feathers a bit, but not completely. "Maybe pull a little less, never know if someone's gonna scar that pretty little face of yours over a jest." His words lacked their usual bite, and he carelessly sat back on his haunches in one swift movement, deciding he was in the mood to chat for a bit. His expression smoothed out to a mildly annoyed look, and he raised a brow questioningly at the stranger. "Where are you going?"

It was rather clear that Rhys was now walking the line. With the rumbling coming from the greyscale stranger as well as tense body language the pale beast knew he'd done enough. Despite Rhys' desire for chaos and mental turmoil he was not here to necessarily bully the poor boy. As a warning spewed from the other Wolf Rhysand couldn't help but to smile, "Well we wouldn't want that now would we?" Honestly this tall yet lanky ghoul rather enjoyed the thrill of a fight. Especially those of which that are not merely a spar. The adrenaline pumping through your veins and the metallic taste of blood on your tongue... Rhys had no fear of scars so the threat of a brawl did little to strike even an ounce of fear in the confident creature. Rhys was more then surprised when the stranger sat down. It seemed the banter was enough to interest him enough to stay in chat. That greedy little smile remained on pale lips as Rhys lowered himself into a seated position as well. Green eyes settled on the other Wolf as he uttered a response, "I am new to this region so I was merely doing a bit of exploration." Lush, silver, tones rolled off his tongue with ease. "I've never encountered trees like these before. A hollow one would make for the perfect den..." His curious gaze moved across the landscape before flicking back to the stranger. "I am Rhysand Malveaux, by the way. May I have your name?" Lids lowered gently as his face morphed into a painting of mischief, viewing the formerly agitated male beneath pale lashes.