The Guardian had spoken and in order for Vortigern to begin training in the necessary fields he must first see the King or his father. They were going to train him to be a warrior, which was his goal and it had seemed to fit anyways. He wanted to be able to protect his sisters, it was what he always wanted, a reason why he kept such a keen eye on them all the time. Zaphkiel never had to worry about what the children were doing because Vortigern was always there to watch them and report back if any of them disappeared. He never did it to get them in trouble and very few times did they actually get scolded, but out of the worry in his widening chest. Winter had seen a growth spurt in him so that he had shot upwards and left long legs below, if somewhat over sized paws for his frame. Even his ears seemed larger than his but dad had said he would grow into them. Strange, he thinks, that your body could grow into itself like that.

The cold months had also left him with a fattened belly for his father and mother never stopped providing for their family and although the pups got out and played they also slept a lot as the season snuck into their bones. So now he had a round belly that would disappear come spring, no doubt. He crawls out of the den that is shared by his family with a flounce in his step, tail wagging every so often in his excitement and his orange eyes scanning the trees around him with a sort of newfound joy. One day he would be here to help protect these oaks and these chestnuts from being invaded. Never would he be a leader and that thought had never crossed his mind but Vortigern was okay with his lot in life. More than okay - he was happy.

And happiness is the key to everything, he had heard his father whisper before, when his good eye had been stuck on his momma. It was gross but fascinating in the way that they loved one another and Vortigern had watched with growing interest lately. He felt... kind of like that with Scarlet, he thought, but then he would grow embarrassed at such things and try to forget them. Like now at this very moment as he catches her scent and frowns before shaking his head. He didn't have time to go play yet.

So he trots away from the den and deeper into the heart of Taviora, grinning at the other pups he spies and wagging his tails at the adults, finding a circuitous route that leads him to an area that he knew Coza frequented because the old Queen kept a den nearby and he had heard she was ailing. Age, they said, and Vortigern worried about what his sisters would be like when they were old and who would protect them. "Coza, sir?" He shouts, not sure if the male is in a den or if he is hidden about somewhere, but too eager to stop himself.