The relationship between Natu and Sven had been one most complicated. She had told me of how guilty she felt over having taken him in the first place, and yet felt responsible to make sure he was raised up right. When Everchime had finally come and discovered her son here, Sven had made the choice to remain here rather than return to Taviora with his birth family. That had greatly swayed my judgment upon Natu for what had happened all those years ago - for if Sven had found it in him to forgive her, then how could I not? As I spoke briefly of what had led up to Sven's disappearance, Rollo's brow furrowed slightly, but I did not wish to go into much more detail than I had already. It was sure to be a confusing topic for him, so many particulars that I did not wish to elaborate on, for despite all that Natu had done I did not have any desire to tarnish her name.

Rollo took the news of his brother's disappearance well enough. I watched him, eyes lingering upon his face as he recoiled minutely. His quick inhalation and expulsion of air seemed almost in disbelief. Sven's actions had been made during a time of emotional turmoil; perhaps it had been a fatuous thing for him to have done, but from what Swallowbane had told me the boy had not been in a right state of mind when it happened. I remained quiet, face solemn as I allowed Rollo this time to process what I had told him. A slight sigh faded from his lips, and as he spoke he turned his eyes back out across the horizon that stretched out before us. Rollo's hope for his brother as not lost, and I nodded at his words. I was not a cynic, I truly did hope that against the odds Sven had somehow walked away from the incident that could have ended his life. But I was always left to wonder - would he not return, or at least send word of his wellbeing? "Indeed; I hope that he is out there, somewhere." I added my thoughts to his, my words quiet and somewhat somber.

As he turned back to me my ears pricked forward, listening to his words as the topic changed. I thought that perhaps in the aftermath of receiving such news that Rollo might like some time alone to process, so I would not keep him longer than need be. To answer his question, I moved closer to him, rubbing the breadth of my shoulder against his own so that my scent would mingle with his own. Stepping back I nodded and said, "You are free to roam the mountain at your leisure, it will be known that you are a guest here and none will hinder your movement about the realm." In addition to marking him with my scent, I would inform those wolves whom I saw most often - my children, Jericho, and Sleekwing - and from there word would pass to the other pack members as they were encountered by myself or my family. No one would give him trouble while he was here, aside from perhaps being sought out for a conversation or two from the more sociable of my pack. A small smile quirked at the edges of my lips at the thought.

I motioned for Rollo to continue along the trail we had been walking together. "Come, I shall show you to an old den that is no longer occupied where you may take shelter if you require such things." When he was ready to go, I began moving up the trail once more. I would offer him an option or two if he desired such things, but if he did not wish for the use of a den then I would part ways with him and allow him to roam the mountain as he liked.