Malina's ahem garnered my attention, mahogany eyes turning to alight upon the approaching figure of Spirane's would-be Palfrey. A dip of my head was given in greeting as she moved closer, though I remained as I was upon the wide rock. "As do you, Malina," I replied, thinking that the athleticism of her body tone was beginning to return to her. Motherhood was never easy on a wolf, the months of carrying around pups stretching out one's bodice well enough only to be followed by the yoke of milk-giving teats for months to follow. To some mothers, the first autumn of their children's lives was an absolute relief, for the weaning began and a shewolf's body could return to its normal status.

I thought little of the smile that played at Malina's lips, my mind recalling the joy upon my brother's face when he had brought me news of my niece and nephew's birth back in spring. Malina had given him the gift of fatherhood once more, and the chance to be a part of raising the two mountainborn pups. I was silently thankful to her for such an act - for such a long time Sleekwing had craved a family. There's wasn't a perfect one, but it had filled a void in his life that I hadn't truly realized was there until it was filled.

As she glanced backwards, speaking of Tithe, my attention refocused upon the matter at hand. While this meeting would be important in helping to determine how to proceed in regards to Asteraia, it also served as a chance for me to catch up with two wolves who sought higher purpose among the ranks. Though she looked away from me, I nodded in agreement at Malina's words. "Indeed; he is a fine fit for Spirane. I think he will do many good things for this pack. You did well to bring him here." She, too, seemed to be making a good place for herself here, and I looked forward to her further displays of her abilities as she worked towards the rank she sought.

The issue of Tobias was something to be discussed amongst the three of us, and so I let the comment she made hang for the moment. It was shortly thereafter that Tithe arrived and nodded in return of his greeting as he approached. Though there were qualities about him that reminded me of my elder brother Sleekwing, he was certainly his own wolf. He had a way with words, and I felt that he had truly found his calling in pursuing the position of Warden for the pack. This would be his final test before I entrusted the diplomatic rank to him, and I looked forward to hearing his viewpoint on the situation that had presented itself. "We are," I replied, glancing between him and Malina as I spoke. "I would like to know what each of you has learnt about the pack - its leaders, its members, its standing within Moladion as a whole. I have been approached by Galileo, who has extended a hand of friendship on behalf of Tobias' partner." I had no name for her, had yet to meet her, and thus this was the only way in which I had to refer to her. "I will meet with her myself before any decision in regards to treaties or alliances is finalized. But I would like to know - what would each of you decide, if the choice was yours?" I already had my Hand's opinions and recommendations; after this, the act could be delayed no further. It would be my turn to seek out the firsthand information that would determine whether peace, utter neutrality, or conflict existed between the plains and mountains.