A howl lifted on the summer air, a tenor that seemed to be full of good intentions. My ears twitched atop my skull, but I remained where I was, curled within my den. I buried my nose beneath my tail, silently hoping that Pan might answer the call, or even Taliesin. But no answer rang through the air, and though I closed my eyes momentarily against it all, when I opened them again the weight of duty still hung in the air. But heavier upon my heart weighed the loneliness that I had tired of chasing away. I knew I was not alone, not truly. I had Taliesin and Sleekwing, Ceal and Haven; but there were some voids that neither family nor duty could fill. Still, I rose and shook out my fur, doing my best to rid my bodice of the sorrow that had gripped me this day. With a heavy sigh, I pushed the feeling down, burying it as I stepped from my den. I lifted my crown and howled, my alto voice singing out to he who had come to my borders, letting him know that I was coming, that he would not be left long in wait. And then I set off at a lope, letting the run invigorate my body, warm my muscles and silence my troubles.

By the time I reached him my entire presence had perked up. My tail lifted dominantly and my ears pricked forward with earnest. Even my dark mahogany eyes had brightened up; having inhaled the scents and taken in the sounds of my mountain on my way to this wolf’s presence had reminded me of why I loved my role as Protector of the Realm. This was what I was born for, and if it was that I must make this life journey alone, then so be it. I was more than strong and capable enough to do so.

I loped forward, nearly upon him before I suddenly slowed to a walk and then stopped before him. My nostrils flared from the pleasant exertion of the run, and as I inhaled deeply I took in his scent. Sea salt and sand comprised the majority of his cologne, though there was a slight mustiness to it. But I did not question such, rather choosing to promptly to angle myself so that he might join me within Spirane rather than continue to wait without. Tesseract was a much respected associate of mine, and any wolf who served in his company was more than welcome within mine. I wondered for a moment at the similarities between this wolf and the seaside pack’s leader, but once more chose not to question such details.

“Welcome, friend; those of Tesseract’s pack are always welcome amongst Spirane’s peaks. I am Daenerys Mountainborn, of the blood of old Solevion, and Protector of the Realm. Who do I have the pleasure of keeping company with this day?” My banner waved idly over my back, not so stiff as I might hold it when in the presence of those I might deem as a threat. Instead it was a simple show of my office, but also a display of my contentment to have his company this day, despite how sullen I had been when first his call had lifted to the heavens.