Though I had stopped with what I had thought was enough space to allow the young girl to feel comfortable, she still scrambled backwards a few steps. A look crossed her face, something akin to pain, and I immediately felt concerned for her. Had she been hurt in her short time here in Spirane? Or perhaps before she had arrived? Little did I know it was a disability she had been born with that caused her this pain; all in due time. My features remained softened as I spoke to her, a grin playing on my lips. I wanted her to feel welcome here, to not feel as if she were a captive. She had not tried to run from the mountain, and I hoped that meant she was enjoying her time here. The slight tilt of the girl’s head caused my brows to rise curiously, waiting to see what she might have to say.

Brows remained arched as the girl lowered herself into the semblance of a bow, surely a sign of submission to me. It was different from the usual tuck and roll I as accustomed to, but I was grateful for it none the less. After meeting wolves the like of that fool Zeus, it was refreshing to meet a wolf such as Gaia. Her introduction piqued my interest, ears pricked forward to listen intently to what she said. Iblis; I recognized the name, though I had never met the wolf myself. Her words about meeting her new queen saw my tail give a wag, pleased that she seemed to want to stay. As I was about to step forward to reassure the girl, another wolf made his presence known.

As he emerged from the shadows, for a fleeting moment I thought perhaps Leonidas had finally come around, though he had chosen an odd time to do it. But a simple blink of my eyes revealed that this young wolf of the shadows was not, in fact, my painted warrior. His mismatched eyes were much the same as the young wolfess who stood before me, and I watched him as he silently approached and gave the shewolf a loving greeting. My tail had stilled at his approach, lifting and going rigid for the moment. But as he spoke I found my posture relaxing once more.

Moving forward towards the two, I dipped my crown and placed my jaw gently over Gaia’s. I breathed out over her maw, then released her and turned to her brother. As he was not lowered like she was, I instead took his snout in my jaws from the side, again breathing out over his nose so that he might remember my scent and be marked with it as well. I stepped back then, smiling at them both. “Rise, Gaia. Welcome, Cae.” I said, my voice still gentle and welcoming to them both, though laced through with the strength I had always carried with me. “Worry not, Gaia, for you will find your place among the mountains. Perhaps as a babysitter or caretaker, a diplomat or even a thief. There are many jobs to be had that I am sure you would be most capable of.” I turned my attention then to the boy. “Cae, there is nothing more important than family, both blood and pack. I hope you will find Spirane to your liking.” I wondered what job Cae might find himself suitable for, but perhaps that would be a discussion for another day. For now, I looked between the two of them and was given to smile. Such a strong relationship between siblings was something to be valued. I had no littermates, but I cared deeply for my brothers and sisters, older and younger. It was a bond that could not be duplicated in anything else. “Welcome home, Gaia and Cae.”