Worn and weary, Ramura moved on, driven only by his nose. A hint, just a hint, of pack drifted on the late evening air. It was just enough to keep him going, knowing he was slowly getting closer to what he had been aching to find again for so long. The young wolf had isolated himself moons ago, but he wasn't a loner, not at his core. He wanted to play and hunt with others. He wanted friends to nuzzle and pups to watch over. He wanted duty and obligation to others besides himself. He needed a pack.

Finally, he found himself drawing closer to the smell, and his steps hurried. He nearly tripped over himself in his haste. He was so eager, so excited. Even though the tawny wolf tried to hold himself back, reminded himself that he could still be rejected and turned away, he felt hope for the first time in a long time. Stronger than the fear and worry, he felt hope that he might not be alone tomorrow. He might soon have pups to look after again. Best yet, he might find something besides his thoughts and memories to focus on. In the harsh winter, he had accepted that he couldn't change the past, but that he didn't have to stop with it.

Reaching the edge of the territory, he flopped onto the hard ground, resting for the first time in a long time. His paws ached, some of the old wounds torn open, and he couldn't bring himself to twist and groom them as his sides rippled with each hard pant. Letting his head fall against the cool ground, he just focused on the smell of his breath and breathing in the scent of earth and grass. It was reassuring, the same smell the world over-at least as far as he knew of the world-and it made him half homesick.

That feeling was what urged him from his side, Still exhausted and breathing heavy, he attempted to steady himself enough to howl. Ears going back, eyes narrowing, he howled a few uncertain notes before a gasp burst out of his chest. After he had once again gained some control over his ragged breathing, he tilted his head back and howled softly. "I come in peace and ask only a chance. I wish the chance to prove myself worthy and loyal to a pack that will have me. I wish to find a family, if I can find that will give me a chance." His voice wavered at the end, and he was panting again. He was exhausted from traveling, half starved from his own poor hunting skills, and worn from the winter. As he flopped down to wait with little hope, he mused that even he would turn himself away.

The alpha was finally happy, having found the fae that completed his heart and soul, brought more meaning to his life than just his pack. He thought of many things when he heard her name, but most of them were things he would not wish to share with others. He chuckled to himself as he walked along the way, brushing his body against the tree trunks and leaves he could touch. He moved about the land, refreshing his scent and placing his authority over the area. As he moved, he heard a howl. At first he paused, wondering if one of his wolves were calling for him. But as he listened the voice was new. He smiled and nodded his head to himself as he trotted towards the caller. Making his way to the other, he slowed his pace and stepped from behind the trees. His golden hues stared at the new male, wondering who he was. His form was rather young looking, perhaps he was a long lost pup, searching for a home. The very thought made him think of Odin, the silly little brute, clumsier than any wolf he had ever seen. He focused back on the brute before him. "I am Alpha Azul. Who are you and what are you doing here?"

Ramura sat up when he finally heard approach. Remaining on his belly, his tail curled closer against his leg, would’ve tucked between his legs if he had been standing. Soon enough, the great white alpha appeared before him, and he stared in awe at him. Maybe it had just been so long since he had been around his own kind, but he looked like a giant. Hearing him speak, the lithe wolf rose to his petite paws, a clear sign he was growing no more than he already had.

"I am Ramura," he answered, his voice quiet and meek. He was the picture of submission, ears back and head lowered. He did raise to his paws slowly, but his body language was far from challenging. "If you would have me, I would like to find a home here. I’m not fast nor strong, but I am skilled with pups and loyal." Admitting how little he had to offer made him feel self-mocking. This brute was the alpha. He alone was proof enough of just how strong their pack was.

Pawing at the earth, a nervous gesture rather than a playful one, he wondered what he had been thinking, approaching a pack. Of course, he had some hope still. Maybe the wolf before him would take him in just out of sympathy. It was still spring, summer would be rich. Perhaps before the seasons turned again, he’d have a chance to prove himself.

Azul watched the brute show his respect to him, this of course made him smile. The alpha was not one to be mean or unfriendly at his border. That is not unless, of course, if they showed any aggression or disrespect to him. Those things would not be tolerated. But this wolf, this Ramura, standing before him, was everything he wished for a loner to be. He was quiet, not aggressive at all, he only wished to make a new place for himself in the world. Azul was patient as he listened, thinking over what the brute was saying. He wished to be a Caretaker? This was rather odd. Azul had never heard of a male wanting to be one to take care of pups. Normally the faes would have the patience for them, but it was rather interesting to say the least. Thinking back to the pack, he knew they only had one Caretaker and having to take care of not only his pups, but the possibility of Juno and Marrok having their. It would be a lot of young wolves running around the pack and poor Genevieve would become so stressed with all of them. He chuckled to himself and nodded his head to Ramura. "Well, it seems we are in dire need of talents just like yours. We have plenty of Warriors and a decent group of Healers, but Caretakers, we could definitely use. I would be honored if you would accept the rank of Caretaker and join my pack, my family." Azul waited for the brute to speak, hoping he would accept the gesture and join the pack.

Ramura seemed to cringe as he thought back over his words. Of all the things he could suggest or say of himself, he hadn’t done a very good job. The brute chanced a glance at the alpha and found himself wagging slowly. At least the white brute seemed to take it well, and rather than rejected him and sending him away, the wolf chuckled. The large ears snapped forward as he heard the chuckle and he actually wagged at the offer. "I-I’d be honored!" the blonde brute yipped, his voice showing his happiness and excitement. He was quick to reel himself in, return to a calm, mature poise, but he was pup-like deep down, and he had moments where it showed with those other than the pups. Expression mollified into a grateful, happy expression, he lowered his head and moved forward to touch his nose to the bottom of Azul’s jaw, a respectful, submissive gesture. "Thank you, Alpha. I shall do my best." In his heart and his head, he was singing with joy over just not being alone anymore.

Alpha Azul was very happy with the response from the newly appointed Caretaker. He nodded his head at the touch and pulled away. "I am glad you are as happy as you are. I must say though, I have never seen or heard of a male wishing to be a Caretaker. Perhaps you wouldn't mind coming back to the pack and tell the whole pack why you wish to be a Caretaker. I'm sure they will find as much amusement as I have." He chuckled a bit, baring tiny spots of his glistening teeth towards the brute. He slowly moved his body from the other, turning to head back home. He turned his head behind him and looked to Ramura with a smile. "I am making my way back, if you wish to follow me, you may. But if you wish you may also explore anywhere you please."

Ramura knew he was an oddity. In his last pack, he had been informed of that in an affection, teasing manner. The way Azul said it made him wonder just how odd he was. Shifting to follow after him, he nod. "I would like to see the den site before I explore," he answered, his tail still half tucked beneath him. He was relaxed though, his body just assuming submissive body language. "Am I really such an oddity?" Surely there were others that wished to take care of pups or a fae that made a better warrior than mother.