Jogging down through the foothills that lay in my mountain’s shadow, I observed the terrain that lay at these lower altitudes with a trained eye. As I moved along, I noticed that the snow was beginning to thin here, and my tail gaze a jovial wag at the notion. Spring was close at hand! Spirane was always the last place to lose snow as the cold months waned, but it did not bother me. I knew many of my members, my dear brother included, would actually retreat to the higher peaks of the mountains to soak up those extra weeks of cool weather before spring was well and truly upon us. For now, however, I was happy to enjoy the last true weeks of winter, before the lands of Moladion erupted with the yips of newborn pups. A magical time indeed, but unfortunately the mountain would not contribute to that melody this year.

The thought of growing families made my mind flick to Leonidas, and I forced myself into a lope to leave the thought behind. I continued running until I broke into the woodlands of Enocra, and only then did my pace lessen. I walked through the trees, sides rising and falling rapidly from the exertion, but quickly returning to the normal steadiness of my breathing. I was an incredibly fit wolf, and such a sprint would not tire me to the point of exhaustion.

The woods were a place I liked to spend my time, a peaceful and beautiful setting to clear one’s mind. Prey was plentiful here as well, and often times more than not a wolf would find themselves encountering another wolf – whether pack or stray made little difference. I knew I was not the only one who enjoyed these trees. Almost on cue at the thought, a giggling carried through the trees. I stopped, ears pricking with interest. My head cocked slightly to the side, listening carefully to the sounds. A single wolf, and clearly she was enjoying herself.

I jogged closer, tail waving behind me and tongue lolling from the front of my maw. I caught sight of the smaller shewolf, tumbling about in the snow and sending a spray of the powder into the air. A smile pulled at my lips, and all I could think was how happy this girl looked. Without hesitation, for it was hardly in my nature, I bounded forward towards her. My posture spoke of one thing: play! As I approached, I barked out to her so she knew I was coming, and then I was nearly next to her. Front paws slapped the ground as I thrust my hindquarters into the air, banner waving happily. I barked again, inviting her to engage in play, to choose some game for us to play. It seemed like far too long since I had just played. But, there was no time like the present.

If there was one thing I had learned in life, it was to enjoy the little things.