It has been frustrating. Renai remains in Asteraia, apparently too weak or too stubborn to realize she is better off here. In the meantime, Achlys has returned to her usual shadows and I have been unable to find her. I desire her company, and yet she eludes me. Soon, I am sure she will have even less time for me. It is most frustrating. Maddening, perhaps. And yet, I must remain entirely composed. With winter's departure, at least, it has been easier. I have more to focus on now, after all. I have inspected the borders, always so tempted to expand them further and further. I often contemplate how long it would take for another pack to take offence. However, it would benefit those under Glorall's banner. Perhaps, I will discuss such feats with mother. And the pack. I am unsure as to how they would take such an approach, after all. I am supposed to make decisions in their benefit. It would be best.

I have moved my focus to the western borders. There is a forest that extends beyond and if we were to recalculate our perimeter, it would be the most suitable place to begin. Only Iromar lays west, with Diveen crushing our northern borders. It is the forest I am curious of, however, particularly come spring. I have not had the chance to see the territory's borders during such a time and now, I am fascinated by the amount of new life that occurs here. There are hares and foxes, their own young propagating even in the mainland of Glorall. It is a good place, and perhaps I will take to these forests to hunt soon. Achlys will require food, as will the other members. There are a number of wolves I will provide for in order to gain their favor - it is a good start. If I can gain true favor than we can begin to sift through the loners and other packs for those that are suitable to the life here. It would be unwise to increase in numbers drastically while those here already might remain uncertain.

As I fall into a crouch, watching young hares chew away at the fresh grass, a call sounds off to the east. Towards the border, I suppose, though it is a surprise I have not noticed this one's arrival before now. Too engrossed, I suppose, in the idea of the hunt. Too busy in my own mind. So be it. Nonetheless, I make a feigned lunge for the hares, scattering them just in order to feel that momentary rush. It is a good flutter, the one that stirs in my chest. One I seldom seem to have the chance to enjoy. Then, I am off as fast as ever, jogging towards the mainland and ensuring that I shall approach from the stranger's peripherals. With Solitaire's presence, it made it all to easy. However, there stood less a stranger and more a curiosity.

I cannot help but pause for a moment several feet away, observing the younger male. He is familiar, though he has grown. There are particular markings and features that stand out in my mind; I recall him, from the valley. He was foolish at the time and yet, all too curious about the idea of assassins. So strange that such a title or sentiment stirs so much curiosity in so many, but who was I to complain? He was amusing to me. Or at least, he could prove to be. Finally, I bring myself forward. It does not seem that he has come with any ulterior motives, or at least, none of the same motives as Raven had come with. Talks of alliance... truces... treaties. It was a boring idea. What I wanted was somebody who wanted to really help this pack.

"I know this one," I state simply, swinging through a narrow arc so that I may stand more towards Solitaire. I am sure to pass him a brief look of greeting, though it is of no concern to fall into the formalities of small talk. For now, my attention is on the boy. Solitaire's time with me will come, I am sure, but we have this new blood to deal with. Still, I want the child from the valley to answer Solitaire. Can we help him? And with what? I have high hopes for him, so let us hope he answers honestly.