At Scent's nod and stepping out of their way, the muskies slowly stepped forward, tails gently wagging as they came forward for sniffs. Scent watched carefully, cautiously, not because he expected anything to go wrong, but simply out of the knowledge that they could.

Ashborn was relaxed, not because she expected things to go perfectly but because there was no use adding more anxiety to the air. She knew her pets well, much as she sometimes pretended not to, and none of them were likely to start anything unless they felt attacked. She'd watch as they mingled, the matriarch of their litter.

"You must be fairly close to my family's lands. Do you know them? Heritage, Keepsake, Lightning Strike?" she asked, biting her lip as she ventured such a bold idea. She didn't know what she expected nor what it was she wanted. Did she want them to be suffering or thriving? Did she want them to be still there? Did she even want this kiokote to know of them?

The buck tilted his head as he watched wet nosed, furry creatures interact. "Not personally, but I think I've heard those names before...?" he admitted.

"I've... I've kind of let myself be a recluse," he started. "Interacted mostly with these girls and my family, and while my family's going to stay, ideally these girls will find their places and move on.". Unless, of course, one decided that he was hers and no other purpose would suit her.

"Oh," it was a reflexive response for she did not know whether to be glad or disappointed in the answer. "I see. I suppose I am also a recluse of sorts in this journey to find my place," she tried to reassure one or both of them that it was fine that there was no news, that they were alone. It didn't strike true with her but she did not want to admit it. She guessed she had wanted to hear news of them.

"They seem to be getting along well," she smiled, turning her attention to the wolves and muskwolves as their interactions became more playful now that the shyness was ebbing away.

The buck smiled in earnest. "You're free to stay here, or to visit whenever you'd like."

He watched the animals as they began their games. One leaned into a low bow, another made a play-yip, and still others were taking the time to aquaint themselves with each others' hind ends.

"They're kindred, in some distant way. They speak the same languages- scent and scent marking, growl-and-howl... If only other kin were so easy."

Ashborn chuckled at that, "Kin are much too difficult to be as easy as canines. They're more like felines, to be sure." She smiled, though, "Thank you. I'd like to visit."

It seemed clear that the group were happy to play. Scent stretched, then settled himself down to rest as he watched them with their play-fighting and their chase.

"Think nothing of it. Everyone deserves a place where they feel safe and welcomed."