Life had been quite busy as of late. Hardly was there a moment for me to sit idly by or worry about a way to while away the hours. And in truth, that was the way I liked it. Without time to sit and let my mind wander, there was no cause for my thoughts to drift to Leonidas and the grievance his absence caused me. No, my days were filled with the duties of a Queen. Holding audience with my pack members, answering the foreign calls of strangers upon my borders, sending out envoys to ensure good relations between Spirane and our sister packs. Any down time that I was known to me was spent with my family. For one who had lost so many in life, I treasured each individual I was able to keep close. Taliesin and Haven; Sleekwing and Ceal; even Swallowbane, the brother with which I had never known a relationship. At least now I knew his face. Of course I missed those that had wandered – Orca and Idunn; and grieved for those I had lost – Alcide and MoonGlow. But I cherished every moment I was given with those that remained at my side. They were the rocks I had built my kingdom upon, and their loyalty was a thing most dear to me.

Two of my upper ranks remained vacant – three if I were to count the post Leonidas had abandoned, though I still found it hard to accept he might never return. On this day I thought to perhaps seek out those who might be qualified to rise to the challenges each position presented. Gaia had shown interest in the matters of diplomacy, and though she was young, perhaps there were ways she could prove her natural ability for the all important role of Warden. And then there was our lack of a Maester. Though I knew that Niviaq and Ceal both had a knack for healing, neither had proven they were worthy of the spot among the upper ranks. Maybe it was my familiarity with one of the best healers in all of Moladion that made me hesitant to fill the title. Some part of me still hoped I could persuade my imprint to leave Diveen and join me in Spirane. But the badlands were his home as much as the mountains were mine. And maybe the distance was good for us, even though I craved to be near the truest friend of my heart each and every day.

I was on my way to seek out Niviaq. I had not seen her in some time and wished to speak with her about whether or not the desire to rise to Maester still existed for her. If it did, I would devise some set of tasks for her to prove her abilities. Maybe I would even ask Meryl if he would run a few scenarios by her, and then let me know if she had passed his test. Yes, that might be a good idea in the absence of any actual maladies to be treated. Long, graceful strides carried me west, towards her ten, when a howl filled the air. I slowed to a stop, glancing back over my shoulder to the south and lifting my head. Ears pricked forward, listening to the call attentively. Once the melody had faded from the sky, I lifted my own crown and answered the call. My howl rang out, strong and proud; it let the one who had summoned me know I was on my way, and informed my pack that the wolf was being seen.

My position on the mountain was a fair distance from where the call had originated, echoing through the mountains’ peaks. I picked up an even lope, a gait that could carry me for miles and hours without tiring my bodice. Down familiar paths I made my way, picking up short cuts and weaving through trees along unmarked trails to abbreviate the trip. It was not with haste that I moved, but with a Queen’s grace.

After a time I began the final descent, a well worn trail that emptied out at the source of the Aplos River. I was then able to lope easily along the gently rolling foothills that marked the edge of my realm. From there it did not take me long to reach the wolf who had called out to me. Once she came into view, I slowed my gait to a jog, making my way over to her. Her pelt was that of onyx and crimson, marked with alabaster as well. My banner lifted, idly posturing over my hindquarters as I made to approach her. Ears pricked forward with interest, and I slowed to a walk as I finally greeted her. Nostrils flared, inhaling her scent as I came to a stop before her. Iromar’s scent was unmistakable upon her, though she seemed to keep herself better groomed than some of the other inhabitants of the moorland. I offered a simple nod of my head in greeting before I spoke. “Good day,” I said simply, interested in what a wolf of the marshes might have come to my borders for. “Pray tell, what business or news might a wolf of Iromar carry to Spirane’s threshold?” Shortly after my reign had begun Orca had gone to Iromar to trade terms of relations between our packs with Andras. Unfortunately, the meeting had been ineffectual, and Orca had come home empty handed. I wondered, idly, if this meeting might intend to remedy that. Or perhaps her intent here was something entirely different. One could only wonder.