A Break From the Duties of Alpha {Steele}

[Ryohei Usaki]

Long, powerful legs stretched themselves out towards the sky as Ryohei laid on his back, letting his dark fur soak up the warm rays of the sun that bounced off the lake nearby. A small, barely seen, smile was on his features as his ears twitched against the sounds of the rippling water. Some fish were milling about, jumping up to catch flies that skimmed the surface of Lake Aylen. It was a very comforting sound to the Southern Alpha, who was currently hiding away from his duties for the moment, unwilling to take the stress for longer periods of time than he had to. Though, Ryohei wasn't one to do this very often. It was just some days seemed to be perfect if he could just get away from everything. To be able to roll around and play as if he wasn't some high-ranking wolf that had one-fifth of the island under his control and direction.

A small sigh left his lips half a moment later, the brute's large body rolling over to where he was resting on his stomach. His eyes flickered open once he was completely turned over and he forced himself up to his paws. The golden depths that stuck out so perfectly from his black-furred face scanned the area around him, looking for any signs of anyone else. There was none at the present time and Ryohei wasn't sure if he was happy or bothered by that fact. It was nice to be able to be alone, but sometimes you just needed someone to be alone with. A friend that was not under his command and wasn't afraid to get on his bad side. Ryohei thought it might be nice to have one, but he was never fortunate enough to meet any of the other Alphas of this area. Anyone below that ranking would submit to him no matter the area. It was kind of agitating sometimes, while not so during others.

It wasn't that he didn't know of the other Alphas on this island. He'd heard of all of them more than once. But he didn't know any personally. None beyond a name basis. Shrugging lightly at this thought, Ryohei turned and padded over to the edge of the lake. His paws just barely sank into the muddy ground, but he took no notice. He just bent his head to lap at the cool, refreshing water, eyes slipping closed yet again.

[Steele Dagger]

The day had been a typical one for Steele and he needed something to break up the routine. The Northern Alpha didnt like to get in any kind of routine for too long as he felt it caused one to get lazy and too set in their ways. No the grey male enjoyed stirring things up a bit, something that had caused him grief more than once, and thats what he felt like doing today. Unfortunately for him his pack mates hadnt given him much of a challenge as most knew to expect something from the prankster when he was in this kind of a mood. Instead they had simply given him the respect he was due with a bow or a compliment on this and that as he passed before going back to whatever they had been doing. He should be happy that they were following his code without a complaint but he needed some sort of excitement. So he had decided to head to the Central lands to see what oppurtunity might present itself.

He did have some luck on the way. A small hare had stupidly poke it's twitching nose out of it's home as Steele approached. He could have snuck up on the numb-brained beasty like any true hunter, silently and stealthfully, but instead had barked like mad. This had caused a chase that was almost a dance of sorts between hunter and hunted. As was inevitable the better creature won, as if there had ever been a doubt he wouldnt, and now Steele was snapping the little critter's bones in his muzzle as he padded along humming under his breath.

At the lake he took a sniff around and cast his eyes over the terrain. This area was a bit too open for his liking and as such he became a bit more cautious. Another was in the area and after a moment or two he caught sight of the other. Feeling up to some fun he wandered closer as he finished the marrow in his mouth. Keeping a safe distance he walked to the water's edge and lapped at the cool liquid while keeping an eye on the other. His mind seemed to be going over various things to say or do but Steele kept calm as he drank.

[Ryohei Usaki]

Ryohei lapped thirstily at the water until he had had his fill before he turned and walked back over to the spot he had been dozing in. The warmth of the sun was still beating down on his fur, but it wasn't hot enough to drive him to shelter or shade. Even with his darker pelt. It was just past mid-day and thus not as hot as it had been earlier, which wasn't all too hot to begin with. Today had been one of those cooler days that did not give hints to the approaching summer weather. It was more like how it had been back during the beginning of Spring, with cool winds blowing in from the mountains north of this area. "What lovely weather." He commented idly, laying back down on the grassy flooring, head resting atop his large paws.

It was then he scented another here. Someone he didn't quite recognize. Ears swiftly turning in the direction the scent was coming from his deep, golden orbs followed them. Seeing as they couldn't be spotted from his head's low-down position, Ryohei lifted it and eyed his surroundings furthermore. That's when he saw another wolf drinking from the lake. Their posture showed power even though he was fairly sure they weren't trying to exude such a thing. They were in the central territory after all. Maybe they're a loner. His mind wasn't quite sure this could be what the other was, but he'd have to find out for himself, so with a life of his great brute form, he cautiously padded to their side. He stayed a respectable distance apart from them and never took his gaze from their form. Better to wait for acknowledgment than to make yourself acknowledged. At least, that's what Ryohei believed.

[Steele Dagger]

Steele couldnt help but chuckle to himself as the other approached. Not that other looked funny, quite the contrary actually, but it was all of this twisted dance ritual thing that was the wolf existence. After all he had gone over to the other, demanded to know who he was and why he was their, and neither had the still unknown black male. Why couldnt their kind be more forward? Ah yes, he reminded himself, because to do so is a quick way to get your throat ripped out. But this thought didnt stop the grey male from thinking that such steps were silly at best. Well it would be rude to keep a fellow wolf waiting. Without worrying about spraying water he lifted his stilll dripping muzzle from the lake.

"Greetings. What a suprise to see a new muzzle. Well not new I suppose." He trailed off a bit before taking a few steps back as something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. A small sprig of mint glistened nearby and he licked his lips in anticipation of it's coolness dripping down his troat. Taking a few more steps back he nipped it from it's soil home and munched happily. The idea that he might be addressing a fellow Alpha never crossed his mind as Steele felt quite sure of himself regardless of what rank this wolf was. Okay it was probably foolish to neglect such a bit of information but to his mind it was more important to size up anyone he met based on their appearance and stature, not on what rank they may just have been born in to. The male before him would be a down right challenge to tussle with should the need arise, much better to keep up the verbal dance he thought to himself.

"So are the fish biting today or are you just here to soak up some sun? Personally I enjoy the fishing here but the bigger fish tend to stay in the middle of the lake at this time of day." Definetly not the most riveting of conversation but these were the opening steps in the meeting ritual, the real meat wouldnt come until later.

[Ryohei Usaki]

Ryohei's ears flicked forward as he watched the other continue to drink, apparently either thirsty or not having noticed Ryohei standing there. His eyes drifted along the brute's body for a moment, noticing nothing out of the ordinary about him other than that aura and posture that screamed he was a wolf of power. His pelt was a mixture of greys and he was pretty ordinary in size. Not that that really said anything about any wolf on this island. Some of the smallest wolves had some of the biggest and toughest personalities here. Ryohei wasn't really someone to judge based upon appearances anyhow. Personality and looks had nothing to do with one another nine times out of ten. The ebony brute knew himself to be no such exception to this.

He wasn't the least bit startled when the other male lifted his head and greeted him, muzzle dripping with lake water. "No, I'm not new." He replied, "And greetings to you as well." He wanted to ask who this wolf was and what part they played on this island, but it was rude to be that curious this soon, so he didn't ask and didn't give out the information of his own Alpha position. His eyes curiously darted to follow the brute's movements as he went over to pull the bit of mint out of the ground to chew on. Ryohei himself had never been fond of it, but it seemed quite clear that this brute was little more than fond of it themself. While they were enjoying the small plant, Ryohei wandered over to the same spot he'd been in--which wasn't that far away--and sat down, that area of the Earth feeling just right under his hindquarters and paws.

"I'm just here to soak up some sun." His voice wasn't wary, nor cautious as his posture was. It was just soft. "I enjoy fishing here too, though. I was actually considering doing it a moment ago, but decided against it since I don't really want to get soaked right now."

[Steele Dagger]

Steele chewed while watching the other and listened to what he said. The other's tone was friendly enough, though pretty words all too often hid darker meanings, nor had he made any movements that would trigger Steele's defensive tactics. These things should have calmed the grey male down but it only made him more cautious. After all everyone wanted something right? The thought that the brute was just here as he himself was, to relax and rejuvenate, still hadn't dawned on him. In the back of his mind his human side was telling him to just go with it and let his guard down for once. But pups who do that dint live to see another sunrise. On the other paw if the male wanted to attack him he would have done so unless he was simply toying with Steele the way he had toyed with the hare. So many thoughts that a slight pain was beginning to form between his ears.

When the other mentioned not wanting to get wet the idea of trying to push the other in the water just to be a pain came to his mind. Had he been closer to the edge he might have tried but at this distance it didn't seem likely that the large male would fall for it. Even though Steele enjoyed a good joke he had to admit that rushing and pushing such a, okay he had to admit that the other was impressive, male would only open himself up for a more deadly attack. Instead he gave a grin at the other, looked him over one more time and decided it was time to stop all this stuffiness.

"I didn't know a little water would bother such a big guy as yourself." He walked to the edge and slowly made his way in, surprised at just how cold the water was but refusing to show even such a small amount of weakness. "The name is Steele by the way," he yelled over his shoulder while continuing to make his way to neck deep water. "From Northern Pack." Still no admittance of rank, after all perhaps other packs would want him dead and shouting out his position was just a death sentence. Always vigilante even when he was allowing a bit of slack in the walls around him.

"Ah see thats the spot right there." he said out loud though not necessarily to the other male. Happily he let his paws ooze through the mud on the lake shore. Behind him his tail skimmed back and forth in the water as if it were a snake and he grinned mischievously at the wolf on shore.

[Ryohei Usaki]

Ryohei rose an eyebrow at the grin directed at him, not all too sure the meaning behind it. This wolf had seemed as wary as he himself was, but that grin was anything but. It confused the large brute and sent him to wondering if this was truly someone from a pack or if they were a loner who wandered here often. They certainly now seemed carefree enough to be. Mentally shrugging that thought off, Ryohei cleared his head just in time to hear the other brute begin speaking. Big guy? For some reason Ryohei found that quite funny to hear from the mouth of another. It wasn't an insult, nor a compliment, but it was amusing and very casual. The black male found he enjoyed casual conversation like this other was presenting him with. It was different and ever so welcomed by someone so used to hearing endearing terms and kiss-ass compliments. Not all of his packmates were like that, but there were a select few.

A light chuckle and he saw the male submerge himself in the cold water, not seeing it in his form that the water was freezing, but knowing it was from experience. "Oh it doesn't. I just prefer to enjoy warm days like this when they come around. I'll get in the water when it's too hot to lay around." He replied, laying down on his side in the grass, facing where the other was getting in the water and swimming around. He was calm and glad for the slight company, but hearing the male's name caught him off-guard. Steele? He knew that to be the Northern Alpha's name. Maybe it's a freak coincidence. Hearing the name of the pack he was in threw that thought to the wolves, so to speak. He had to be the Alpha. There was just no way around that simple fact. It didn't bother him, per say, though. He was just a little more on edge.

"Alpha, am I right?" He asked casually, tail flickering against the ground idly. He didn't know how the other might react to his comment, but he figured if it bothered him, he should try and equal the playing field. "I'm Ryohei. From the Southern Pack. An Alpha like yourself." Just as calm. Just as collected. His eyes gazed out to where Steele was still swimming about and it almost tempted him to get in as well, but he still decided against it. He could swim later...or tomorrow. Well, maybe not tomorrow since he needed to stay around his pack most of the time to keep an eye on them. He rarely ever found the time to go out on his own because he always had a nagging paranoia that the Beta would attempt to take his position while he was gone. It was a constant feeling that he couldn't shake, and that annoyed him thoroughly.

[Steele Dagger]

Out of reflex his ears flattened and his tail stopped it's smooth skim of the water's surface when the other figured out his position in the Northern pack. Had he let too much out? Had he been spying on him and his pack without his knowledge? How could such a thing happen? But as the other he allowed himself to relax again. Okay so he was an Alpha also. That explained the cool demeanor and air of strength the other seemed to possess. Steele knew from experience than when you were on top of the food chain, sort to speak, you could afford the feeling of superiority. Then again such a feeling was something the grey male had been born with and he puffed his chest out a bit to show it before returning back to his original composure. Why bother such a contest of who was bigger? After all there was just the two of them here so there was no need of acting like the big dog in town.

"Ryo is it?" he said before dunking his entire body under water. Mentally he tried to think of what he knew about Southern pack as he pretended to act like he was fishing. Nothing particular came to his mind right away and he had to resurface before he thought of some sort of witty retort to come back with. What he wouldnt give to have listened to the pack Elder more closely when they had learned about the other packs. Being a bit pompous and arrogant Steele had been daydreaming while the lesson had been underway. The past was the past and the future was what mattered. In his mind there was something dangling out of his reach just like the small bass that had just caught his eye.

"And Southern pack huh." he said as his eyes followed the fish. Slowly he moved towards the prey. "Cant say Ive had the pleasure of seeing your fine home. Might have to take a trip there sometime." He dove after the slippery fish and was able to get just a few scales from the tail. No big worry as he wasnt really hungry after all. Upon breeching the surface he was hit by a bit of his history lesson, though not enough to really get a full grasp on it. Seems thats the way his day was going. Something about an outsider village being in Southern lands. Yes he had thought, at the time of his hearing of it, that there had to be some strange things in such a place. Things of power and might mixed in with things of beauty. Surely if such things truly did exist Ryo wouldnt simply be talking to Steele right now but would instead be leading a war against his and any other packs. With a shake of his head he pushed these things to the back of his mind for later contemplation and resurfaced.

"Maybe I will come down your way this fall, I might need a vacation by then anyways." he said with that grin once again, the idea of treasure and such pushed back as if he hadnt thought about it in the first place, as he made his way back up the beach. Pretending not to notice just how close he was to Ryo he shook himself from nose to tail tip in an attempt to shed the liquid that was clinging to his fur.

[Ryohei Usaki]

Ryohei couldn't help the bristle that erupted along his spine the moment he saw Steele's ears flatten. His ears soon followed suit of the spike of fur in pricking upwards for any sound of a threat. Had he been wrong and just given his position away to the wrong wolf? Ryohei knew better than to think just because he was bigger he could best another wolf without having seen them fight before, and so a different paranoia coursed through him until he saw Steele calm and seeming go back to being perfectly fine with their encounter. It confused him momentarily, but maybe it had just taken a moment or two for Ryohei himself being an Alpha as well. His posture cooled and he felt the fur along his back lay down again. He came here to get rid of stress levels anyhow, so he need not be this on edge. Especially since Steele gave no further signs of agitation.

He listened rather calmly as the other confirmed his name. Well, nickname. A lot of wolves didn't quite enjoy saying his full name even though it wasn't long, so he was not the least bit surprised Steele just spoke the first half. "Yeah. Ryohei. Ryo. Either's fine." He spoke once Steele had resurfaced from his brief dunk under the water, apparently after a fish or two. His eyes blinked lazily as he followed the movement of some of the fish while they tried to get away from Steele in an effort not to get caught. Ryohei didn't blame them either. "The Southern Terra isn't really all that special or different, I'm assuming. Not that I've really been to any other place but the Central area, but still it can't be all too glorious." Though he was proud of his range and of the unusual run-in his pack had had with the humans, he didn't really like boasting or gloating of it. In his pack he was thought lowly of for boasting on the latter considering his parts had been killed in that struggle.

"I'd be glad to give you a show around some day." He spoke up, watching when Steele climbed out of the water and shook off, effectively wetting Ryohei's own fur with the stray droplets. "During fall the plains are rather nice to go walking in so I'd recommend a visit then. We don't get too cold of weather there until mid-winter anyhow." He paused, shaking his head to rid it of the water dripping down his face and onto his muzzle. It was kind of a tickling sensation and if he wasn't careful the droplets were going to cause him to sneeze. As he shook his head of the water a second time he caught sight of his own necklace shimmering in the sunlight. It was usually hidden by his black fur, but when that fur was moved, the key in the middle of a thin black rope was very clear.

It only managed to catch his attention for a moment before he was looking back to the brute standing close to him. Normally that would make him wary and cautious with the position he was in, but it didn't this time and he could feel the confusion creeping into his persona. Maybe he just knew by instinct this Alpha wouldn't try and pick a fight with him. Maybe he was just being an arrogant fool who was unknowingly comforted by his large size in both his human and his wolf form. Who knows? Ryohei just knew that it was nice not to feel paranoid for once and just be casual and friendly with another wolf.

[Steele Dagger]

Steele listened intently as the other spoke about his lands. You could never know when such information might be useful. Granted they were peaceful or at least calm between the two packs but time had a way of changing things. All in all it seemed that the Southern lands werent all that different from his own. There had been no mention of the human lands either so evidently he had been mistaken about the outside humans having lived there at some time. No Steele didnt make mistakes, or so he let himself believe, and it had really been the Elder who had taught the lesson incorrectly. The Alpha would have to remember just who that Elder had been and give him a bit of historical correction. Mentally he was suprised that such an invitation to visit was extended to him. After all it seemed a bit of a dangerous suggestion to both parties. Couldnt Steele be ambushed if he showed up there alone? Certainly Steele could use such an invitation to his own advantage as well. Perhaps it wasnt a truly sincere suggestion anyways so really no need to think about it.

A glint of something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head slightly to see if he could get a better look but an arrogant flea chose just that moment to bie his left shoulder. Dismissing the shiny glint as a shine from the water he began to chew after that flea. As he chewed on himself he thought that he saw that glint again but it simply reassured him that indeed it was a reflection off the water. In between his nips at the flea that was now movng down his back and making it harder to get at he spoke to Ryo.

"Your lands sound quite cozy but I would hate to impose on you, your mate, and your packmates." There he was respectful but still careful as he still didnt know much about the black male. The flea had taken a break so Steele stretched out and flopped down on his stomach. The pair had exhausted the niceties and perhaps he should just get up and leave the other in peace. But it would be stupid to pass up and chance to learn more about the others that shared the land.

"I dont mind a chill in the air as much as I mind rain. The Northern lands get their share of it but not so much that you never see the sun." A cramp in his toe caused him to stretch his rear legs again in hopes of relieving some of the discomfort. "So how long have you been the head pup?" he asked, genuinely interested and not simply trying to dig up conversation.

[Ryohei Usaki]

OOC: I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to post earlier. I'll try to do better, I promise.

---

Ryohei watched with amused interest as Steele nipped at a flea currently biting him. His ears perked forward as he eyed the other male, understanding exactly how it felt to have a pestering flea. He just hoped that if he actually managed to get it off of him that it wouldn't jump onto Ryohei himself. He didn't enjoy having to bite around to take care of such a small creature that caused such a great itch. Instead of worrying too much on it, however, Ryohei just stretched his paws out beyond his head and rested his muzzle on top of them, close to the ground. His eyes didn't leave the other male's form, but he wasn't nearly as cautious as he had been earlier. They knew each other a small bit and if the other had any intention of attacking him he would have done so already. Or shown signs of it.

Listening as Steele began speaking he was surprised the other didn't know he didn't have a mate. Surely he must have heard about all other Alphas on this island if he was indeed an Alpha himself. Still, who was Ryohei to question such a thing. Times changed anyhow and the other was probably just assuming he had gotten one. "You wouldn't be imposing at all. I invited you." He replied, feeling a nagging itch in his neck as he saw the other one still after the annoying flea. Raising his head back up he used a hind leg to start scratching the spot, eyes slipping closed at the small bliss scratching an itch caused. "But just to be clear, I have no mate. I'm the only Alpha." When he was done speaking he quit scratching and resumed his position, though keeping his head up.

"I'm quite fond of the rain actually. The Southern lands don't get it much though." He looked out across the lake a moment as there was a small lapse in conversation before a question was voiced and his attention was brought back to Steele. One he hadn't really expected, but didn't really mind either. Wolves always assumed he was heartbroken at the fact his parents had been killed. Yes he had been sad, but the time for being sad was over. He didn't care for the mention of the humans or their abandoned cabin. He didn't mind being asked about his reign as Alpha. His pack--the older members especially--still thought he did, though, and that was a bit agitating in itself. "I've been Alpha for about five years. Since I was seventeen in my human form." He replied back calmly, "My parents passed on and I inherited the position so to speak."

Blinking slowly in thought, he laid his head back on his large paws, eyes lazily looking to Steele. "You? How long have you been the head wolf of your pack?" Sure, he knew some stuff about the other Alphas, but not everything. I guess it's time to catch up in the lives of the other Alphas. As disinterested as that sounded, Ryohei was anything but. He was truly curious and wondering about how other Alphas had come about getting their positions.

[Steele Dagger]

OOC--No biggy as I understand RL takes precedence over rp = >
---------------------------------------

Indeed Steele had heard about there being no Alphess in the Southern pack from one or two of his spies, erm or scouts actually. But after being information that, as far as he was concerned, was incorrect he wasnt about to take any of his knowledge of the other packs for fact. Besides he hadnt ordered any spying, umm scouting expeditions, in awhile and as such figured things may have changed. He turned his gaze out across the water and thought how best to answer Ryo. The truth was he hadnt been Alpha for long but didnt want to come acoss as an inexperienced mutt. Then again he had planned the actual overthrow, no retirement that sounds better, of the old Alpha for quite sometime. Well the other had been what Steele considered truthful so far and such a small tidbit of information was nothing to worry about.


"Well until about a year ago I was a simple humble warrior until fate thrust me into a more prominent role in my pack. Doesnt seem that long though so I guess time really does fly when you are having fun." he chuckled and paused for a moment to see if it really had been that long since he took on the mantle of leadership. Mentally he nodded as it had been about this time last year when the Alpha was found dead, seemingly from natural causes.

"So what's it like growing up as a future ruler? Do you wish that tere had been other choices open to you?" he paused for a moment before continueing "You dont seem like a spoiled brat like I would expect. After all you arent all fat and pompous like I would figure one born into royalty would be." Admittedly he was a bit prejudice against one born into the leadership role than one had to fight for it. After all how could someone truly appreciate what kind of power they wielded ifthey didnt have to break bone or spill blood to get it.

[Ryohei Usaki]

Ryohei couldn't help the chuckle that released from his muzzle when he heard Steele's own. "It sure does, doesn't it?" He spoke up, though not expecting a reply in the slightest. His tail tapped the ground as he further regarded the Northern Alpha before him. It didn't really register to him that he might be incompetent with the role even though he had only been in it such a short time. For him it didn't matter if you were born into the role or achieved it through fighting because some were just more fit to be Alphas than others. Some didn't appreciate the role, sure, but those were the ones unfit for it. Ryohei himself hadn't been pleased as a pup to realize he was going to be forced into the role, but as he got older and came to know that he wouldn't have to yield to anyone's command he had came to love it.

Another chuckle and he was nodding his head slightly to Steele's next words. "When I was a pup I wanted more options. I actually wanted to be a hunter before I realized that as an Alpha I could do whatever I wanted. Then it became a pretty nice idea to me." His face held a small smile at the remembrance of his puppy days. He used to love being quite bigger than the other pups of the pack, even if he didn't really try to pick on them or anything. He hadn't been a bully. Well, he had been a bit of a teaser before he learned how it wasn't great to do such a thing, but never was an actual bully. "Your parents are strict on you though when you're an Alpha's child and destined to be one, so to speak. You hear a lot of I can't believe they're going to be Alpha. and such when you act out too, just being a pup. It was kind of annoying."

"Not all of us born into the role don't deserve it, I assure you." He knew there were plenty of spoiled Alpha's children who soaked up the glory, but didn't like the responsibility. Ryohei himself was glad he hadn't turned out in such a manner. "I just don't figure an Alpha should abuse their power in such a manner, born into it or not." He couldn't take lying there any longer. He'd been lounging all day long. Therefore he stood up and stretched his front legs first and then his back. "Care to go walking? I don't think I can lazy around anymore." Even if Steele declined his offer Ryohei figured he'd go on to walk anyway. He really needed to stretch his legs. Maybe I'll run instead of walk back to the Southern Lands later. He contemplated in his mind, his eyes turning out to look along the lake again, watching as a few fish jumped the surface.

[Steele Dagger]

Steele had always thought that his view on "Alphas by birthright" was unique but to hear another voice it as well was both comforting and yet strange. He had always thought all of his beliefs and thoughts were visionary and that gave him some sort of edge over those he ruled. But in a disconcerting way it also comforted him that someone shared his ideals. So often folks had called him evil based on his ideals of improving his back and such. Yet this male, this Ryo, seemed nice enough. Okay admittedly he didnt know about the outsiders that he had killed so that wasnt really relevent in his opinion of the black male. However life was death, surviving was killing, and everyone here was a homicidal maniac waiting to erupt. Lazily he scratched at his ear with a hind leg when the other mentioned Alphas not deserving their power. Had then been a sarcastic comment towards Steele? There had been a small murmor around his pack when he had first become Alpha that he as such a wolf, a canine who would abuse his power. Those same beasties had gotten a little too close to the truth about the death of his predeccessor as well so they didnt last long thankfully and such talk soon died with them. All for the betterment of the pack, or so he told himself.

At the mention of a walk he stopped his scratching and stood up fully. Might be nice to see what else could be seen and he didnt really feel the need to head back home anyways. "I would enjoy a walk. With any luck maybe we can find us a bite to eat and get a good chase in as well." He laughed a deep laugh and allowed his tongue to loll out of his mouth as an idea came to him.

"I guess the real question here is can you keep up with me?" he chuckled and ran away only to stop a yard or two away from where Ryo was. Okay so he should be showing a bit more respet for the other, after all they were equals and one of Steele's pack laws was respect for all, but fun was fun. If he was honest with himself he would realize long distance running wasnt one of his best abilities. He was more about strength and a quick kill. So if Ryo was a good distance runner than he was beaten before he even left the starting block. But pride was a big issue with Steele and should he lose to Ryo well it wasnt like it made a large impact in either lives. After pausing only a moment to make sure he was heard Steele took off once again.