<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/5a/Skrida.png)</div><strong>Character name:</strong>Skrida<br/><strong>Who:</strong>Hiti, Open<br/><strong>Where:</strong>Near the Sacrifice House<br/><strong>When:</strong>Night<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Skrida reached out and grabbed her forearm gently. "Hiti, it was just a jest," he said, making sure to look her in the eye. "And if any of the wolves give you trouble, I wouldn't hesitate to hit them for you." His grey eyes for once lacked the sparkle of mischief they so often contained, and his body was corded with tension. After a few moments of silence, he paused and then lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. Once more laughter became etched into his features, though it was more subdued. His eyes remained on her, clearly studying her reactions. "Well, save for our noble alpha. She may not be large but I'm fairly sure she could make mince meat of me."<br/><br/>It was impossible to tell if she'd heard him, but he was relieved to see her features brighten. He had a feeling it had less to do with his comments and more to do with the way she'd tucked her white fur cloak more firmly around her form.<em>I'll wager she thinks that won't be coming off tonight,</em>he thought. The poor girl had no idea how hot the Alpha House became during celebrations. Still he would not dissuade her of this thought. Her manner of dress now was appropriate and would gain her some standing among the pack.<br/><br/>She began walking and he stared after her. After only a moment, he shook his head and jogged to catch up with her. It took only a few ground eating strides, and he was surprised to find that even once he'd slowed to a walk he was forced to further slow himself in order to keep from outpacing her. He eyed her a bit and noted the way she was favoring her ankle.<br/><br/>With a light smile, he put his hands behind his head once more and linked his fingers together. "It's no problem, luv," he said easily. "I'm glad you thought to come at all. I think you'll enjoy it. Whatever one might say about the Tikaani, they know how to throw a fantastic party." As they continued to walk, his mind wandered toward Mikla. The carpenter had mentioned his intention to escort Unna to the celebration earlier that day, something that caused Skrida no end of amusement. At this rate, she'd have the mighty beast tamed in no time.<em>As if you've room to talk,</em>he thought with a wince. Certainly he was coming for only two reasons. The first was walking beside him. The second he hoped would be waiting within the Alpha House.<br/><br/>Said House rose up before them, clearly lit from within. Music came from it's walls and there were bursts of laughter and talking that could be heard even from outside. "Ready?" he asked, turning to look at Hiti as he placed his hand upon the door, ready to shove it open.