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The large violet furred male trotted quietly through the foliage and underbrush. From what he recalled, the river wasn't far from the woods edge. It would just be over this hill, and . . . . voila! Pushing himself past a few berry bushes, pale green eyes landed on the clearing before him.

The meadow was large and tended to draw many animals to it. The grasses were good eating for rabbit and deer, and the tail edge of a dying river made it an ideal watering hole for everyone else. Without the forest trees to hide lurking predators, the meadow couldn't hide anyone from view.

Kek liked the open land. The sun was beginning to sink lower upon the horizon, casting long shadows over the neglected meadow. The sky was becoming a soft rose, and would soon change in to rich reds and golds, before darkening in to violet and transitioning to dusk.

Tonight would find Kekarn resting at the rivers edge.

Trotting to the cool water, he picked up a variety of scents, none of which were of any interest. Lowering his head, he drank, seemingly oblivious to the world around him.

((Ok, just as a note, since I'm sort of doing his introduction with Alexander in the old guild and it's yet to be completed, but I'm assuming these meetings are happening very close together. For arguments sake, I'm going to backdate this like . . . a day before he meets Alexander, sound ok? x3 Just cause that one hasn't wrapped and I don't know what'll happen afterwards what with him being offered in to the pack and all. ))

Kek heard Deimos before he actually saw him. Enjoying his drink, one of his ears swiveled to focus more on the sound of feet against the earth, following his movements. But he didn't turn or look up. He wasn't concerned by a strangers approach - it was the river, and none could live without its refreshing drink.

Thirst quenched, the large male lifted his head and looked over at the new comer. He was a young male, and with a very striking coat pattern. The reds, whites and blacks were hard to overlook and quickly captured ones attention. Kek couldn't help but feel a twinge of fur envy. . . . His own purple striped self was so very drab in comparison.

A shame he couldn't have such a lovely coat pattern too. But, he mused, one couldn't have it all.

Noticing the slightly flattened ears, Kek licked his muzzle dry, and smiled a lazy grin at Deimos. He wasn't sure whether or not the semi flattened ears were out of caution or agression, but he wouldn't be so rude as to not greet him. "Step right up, the waters fine," he chattered lazily, pale eyes and body language completely relaxed. In fact, he hadn't given any sign of dominance or submission, his only movement being a lethargic tail wag.

"I don't bite," he added amicably, good humor lighting his pale green-blue eyes.

Kekarn watched as the male seemed to relax. Good, the large wolf never cared to intimidate others be it intentionally or not. He was about as harmless as a pup, and very rarely was pushed to show aggression or violence. No wolves had to be wary around him and that's the way he preferred it.

Kek was no bully.

Still admiring Deimos patterned fur, he watched with mild amusement as the wolf quenched his thirst and jumped in to the riverbed. Young and full of energy, Kek noted, his tail wagging a bit faster in delight. It was almost contagious. . . . almost. If he knew the wolf better he himself would be hard pressed to bound in to the river after him.

It wasn't often he found company to play with, and games were something he'd always adored. It ran in his family.

At the wolfs comment, Kek quirked a brow and let deep throated laugh escape him. "Oh ho, is that so? Fiesty one, are we?" Winking at the male, he added, "Then I best be on my most deplorable behaviour."

All in jest, all in jest! Logic quickly reminded him that he'd best keep his words in check. He didn't know the young wolf, and he was certain that the male would be fast to attack or bolt off in disgust if he weren't careful. Sure, it was all fun and games, but perhaps his teasing was a bit too much.

With Deimos' comment, though, Kek just couldn't resist.

Ah well.

Showing no sign of his inward scowl, Kekarn quickly (but lazily) continued with the conversation. If he didn't stop and think about it, then with luck the red and white male wouldn't wonder what on earth his last statement had meant.

Tact, Kek. Tact.

"A pleasure to meet you, Deimos," he acknowledged, ducking his head amicably. Looking up at the male, he allowed his ever cool smile to cross his features, his own pale green-blue gaze radiant with good humor, "You may call me Kek, if it pleases you. But really, I answer to just about anything," he added, tail wagging behind him. A new light entered his eyes, and one could only wonder if the last statement were true.

He was in a teasing mood, this evening. Perhaps even a bit flirtacious. Hnnn. . .he'd have to keep himself in check from going overboard. It was evenings like this he often got himself in trouble.

His most deplorable behavior, eh? Kek inwardly smirked, watching as the young wolf bounded deeper in to the river. That wasn't at all the right way to fish, but he'd say nothing - to each is own, right? Besides, it was downright entertaining.

Curious to see whether or not he'd fetch his prize, Kek took a few steps closer to the river bed. Ears pricked, he watched as the hunt ended as quickly as it had begun. One moment Deimos was a hunter on the move, the next he was nothing more than a drowned rat.

Stifling a chuckle, his green-blue eyes sparkeled in amusement. "So much for that -" He began, only to find out too late what the wolf had in mind.

Sheets of water were suddenly flying in all directions, and instinct caused the male to give a vain attempt to leap out of the way.

It didn't work, and he wound up not only covered in water, but his large paws were now fast sinking in a puddle of mud. It was one thing to be water-logged like Deimos - but with only second-hand water coating his fur, Kek looked . . .ridiculous. Half puffball, half water rat.

Shaking out his coat, he turned his gaze towards the cheeky wolf. So that was how it was going to be, was it? "Oh, it'll always be a pleasure, my fine Deimos. . . but," his eyes flashed with wickedness himself. Quick as lightning, the action was long finished before Deimos had time to react - a pawful of mud was suddenly thrown in his direction. "I do hope you realize that this means war."

Tail wagging faster, the large male hopped out of the rivers edge and on to more firmer ground. He kept a distance between Deimos and himself, unsure of the red wolf's next move. Dropping his front forward, he dipped in to a playbow, body tense, and waiting. . .

Just have Deimos try to pull something. A game of chase might very well ensue.

Kek allowed his hackles to raise, but again, no malice or aggression was found in his stance. He grounded himself, tensing, waiting for some attack. The barks were ignored as he prepared to leap out of the way. And yet, Deimos jolted to the side, causing Kek a moments hesitation.

Which way was he going? Just who was the predator and who was the prey?

Within a moment, his bushy tail was tugged upon and he found himself slid around in a half circle. Tripping over his large paws, the wolf looked surprised as the white and red streak took off.

Words caught his ears, a challange. Shock pusehd to the side, the violet and striped male took off. Though he wasn't the fastest wolf in the world thanks to his size and weight, Kek's long legs allowed for a just as long stride. Let the red and white one run out of steam - Kek wasn't going to end this pursuit so quickly.

Quickening his pace, he snapped at Deimos' legs and tail. If one could see his expression, it would have been pure entertainment. When was the last time he'd had such fun with another. . .? Oh, it had been awhile. Not since -

Nah, why think about such memories when he had the frisky Deimos before him? There was no need. Snarling in his throat, he made sure Deimos didn't forget he was hot on his heals.

The chase was fun, but then, Kek did enjoy such games. Whether it was learned behavior from his time between packs, or just a natural desire, it mattered little to the wolf. What was important was that he (and Deimos) were having a good time.

And Kek truly was. What luck to meet such an amicable wolf. Part of his mind tried to keep friendly from 'friendly' - the latter got him in to much to much trouble. He was sick of losing friends over miscommunication or truths. . . . he'd rather be a good friend, then a good love. Kek had long ago learned that it was rare one could find both.

So, while he could fancy a private thought now and then, he was going to do his best to not admire strangers (or jeapordize friendships) today.

Nonetheless, he enjoyed the chase, and was about to make a leap at Deimos when the wolf suddenly tripped. Yelping himself, forward momentum making it impossible to stop, Kek did his best to leap to the side. It almost worked. . . almost.

Tripping over the red and white male, Kek managed to twist himself enough so he didn't trample the poor wolf. Where Deimos went forward, Kek stumbled and tripped to the side. Thankfully, a neighborly tree stopped his movement rather abruptly.

Ouch.

Surprised (but thankful) he didn't break any ribs, the hardy wolf took a moment to ground himself. Well that was unexpected. . . so much for a game of chase! Pushing himself out of the nearby bushes, a few dead leaves littering his fur, he took time for one good shake before leaping down the gentle slope.

Sure enough, there was Deimos.

"Are you all right?" He asked, genuine concern lacing his words. From what little he'd saw, the poor wolf had took quite the spill. "You're not hurt, are you?" A soft whine in his throat as he circled Deimos form. A crinkle of leaves and a soft slosh brought a bright purple male leaned over Deimos. Nosing away some rougue leaves from Deimos' fur, he softly pawed the male.

He was still breathing, that was a good sign. "I didn't trample you to death, did I?"

He hadn't meant to trip over him. . . really. ;_;

Kek noticed the wolf began to squirm while being touched. At first the violet one thought it was out of pain - had he really hurt himself? Was Kek hurting him by touching? He snatched his paw away quickly, and retreated a half step in concern.

But then, the madly wagging tail wasn't necessarily a bad sign. Huh - perhaps he'd have to test the waters with the paw-poking later. Right now he just wanted to be assured his new friend hadn't been crushed.

"Psh," Kek shook his head, though his ribcage and shouder did protest the movement. He'd be bruised for the next few days, but so long as he didn't go careening in to any more landscape, he'd be fine. "I wasn't the one that flew."

The blue-green eyed male accepted the once-over with a wag of his tail. He winced every now and then, only at the most sore spots, but kept his tail wagging lethargically behind him. He really was quite fine.

Reaching over, her nosed Deimos' cheek lightly, eyes bright with a lurking good humor. "You flew beautifully," he complimented, making light out of their games painful end. "But I must suggest that you work on the landing." Trotting around the male, he noticed the obnoxious leaves and dirt that coated his beautiful coat.

The poor thing. "You look a wreck," he added softly, chuckeling in his throat. Leaning forward, he did what was most natural to him. One lick, two licks, and he began grooming the worst of Deimos' fur. Night was fast approaching, the sun hidden behind the horizon. On a likewise train of thought, he really didn't want the other to have to take another jump in to the river.

It was cool enough without the water to help.

Pausing in his attention, he glanced over at Deimos and caught his eye. "You sure you're not hurt?" Some wolves were notoriously stubborn. Without waiting for a response, his grooming resumed.

Kek felt the wolf jump at the touch, but continued his calm preening. The red, white and black male needed some attention, and that mud needed to be cleaned off before it got too stucky. Tangled fur was hell to unknot, and often pulled at the skin underneath. Working diligently, he wagged his tail lightly at the males responses, but said nothing.

At the mention that his paw hurt, Kekarn paused and looked down at the black-stained (now mud stained) paws. "Which one? Will you be able to walk far on it?" If he had fractured a bone, if he put a lot of weight on it there was a chance it could break further. Hopefully it wasn't anything that dramtic, but one just never knew. Even if it were merely a sprain, those could be obnoxious to limp upon and hobble around with too.

"Oh, my ribs," he dismissed, grinning up at the male. "I won't deny the tree so pleasantly stopped my clumsiness, and I won't deny that my ribs are still objecting to the abuse. But I will deny that I winced at your touch. . . at least spare me a little pride," he mused, winking up at the blue eyed male. "Even if you know it isn't so."

Ignoring the red and white males push, he resumed his grooming, tackling the last of the few worst spots along Deimos' neck and shoulders. "I sleep wherever looks pleasant," he added softly, finishing up with grooming. Tilting his head, he studied his handiwork. . .hnn. There were some missed spots, but for the most part the worst of the mud-splattered tangles and leaves had been removed. The rest of him would have to take a dip in the lake come morning.

"But I suppose, if your paw can handle it, we'd best get out of this mud-ridden pile of leaves. Your protection would be greatly obliged, my fine sir," he added teasingly, flourishing a wolfish bow to the male. Backing away from Deimos - remembering some wolves were VERY touchy about personal space - Kek shook out his fur a bit. He had his own mess of leaves and mud, but was nothing compared to Deimos.

Oh yeah, he'd be sore come morning, guarenteed.

But where to hole up for the night? It was sure to get cool, the temperature was already dropping fast. Glancing around, Kek vaguely recognized the area. He'd been around this river spot for awhile now, and was beginning to fast reocgnize the land. If his memory served him properly, there was a a hollow near a fallen tree that he'd used to curl up in during the coldest of weather.

"Just be on the lookout," he added gently, "I can't tell the good trees from the bad." Tail wagging, he stagged up the small slope, before turning around to wait for his friend.