The task my Queen had set out to me was always in the forefront of my mind, helping me to regain my focus as I moved away from Taviora. I thought back on everything I had discussed with my mother over the course of my time there, and what tidbits would help me to form the best possible advice I could give to my leaders. Alas, there was still much of my journey to complete, and so I simply stored all the information I had gathered while spending much and more of my time in the forests with Moth. I would use the time between leaving Iromar and arriving home to finalize what I believed was pertinent information from each pack to inform my Queen and King about. Every little detail would certainly not be necessary, and the trademark of a good advisor would be to sum up the important and pertinent knowledge and deliver it to them in company with advice on how to handle the situation. I had garnered a bit of practice in doing as much when I had spoken to Isola about my concerns in relation to the assassins of Diveen, and it was my hope to improve upon my technique and delivery when I returned from this expedition.

When I reached the eastern most point of the borders of Spirane I turned towards the border and called out to the mountain pack. It was a cordial greeting and a simple one, asking for the company of whomever might deign to make an appearance upon the foothills border. An answer lifted on the chilly winter air, a short but sweet message to let him know that he would not be alone for long. Patiently I waited, my composure relaxed despite my overall sturdy appearance. I was built broadly, with long legs, and my stature spoke of my ability to hold my own in a fight. Still, my warm brown eyes flecked through with amber gave me a welcoming facade, and I was naturally a good natured wolf so long as no threat presented itself to my person, my pack, or my family. Needless to say I was at ease now, thinking that the likelihood of being presented with a threat upon approaching the boundaries of one Diveen’s oldest ally were slim to none. Even so, I never let my guard down completely, always aware of my surroundings.

It was not long before the approach of another was noticed, my eyes lifting to the treeline as the slender form of a black and tan shewolf emerged. Her light form practically glided across the top of the snow, bringing her swiftly to stand before me. Everything about her presence was so pleasant that I could not help but smile back at her as she greeted me. “Good day, responder. My name is Maddox and I am from Diveen, and I’ve come to visit our mountain friends today in hopes of learning more about the pack and its recent tidings.” It had occurred to me that perhaps this would be somewhere between the intimacy of my meeting with Moth in Taviora and the intensity that was sure to greet me upon the borders of Iromar. But this female seemed so friendly that I could not deny my already finding enjoyment in her company, and breath of fresh air after the worry that had swirled in my mind about my mother’s deteriorating health. “But first, might I know your name?” My own tail gave a gentle wag, whisking back and forth as it hung easily behind my legs.