The remains of the fawn laid close by as Matthias cleaned his fur of the blood. It would remain on his lips for a time, but at least he could take it off his paws. Spring was a good time for loners, especially ones as old as the grey wolf. Though his body was massive and his mind still sharp, he could feel the slight pain in his joints when the cold touched the air. He wasn’t going to admit it to anyone but… the mercenary was getting old. With a grumble, he stood up and trotted away from the dead fawn, leaving it behind for nature to do what she will with it. He could feel the eyes of the scavengers on him as he passed by and he was content to let them fight over the scraps. The meat had stifled his hunger, but his throat was dry and in need of water.

The bubbling of the river had told him what he needed was close by. The water raged on its way from the mountain top where the snow was beginning to melt as it crashed towards the moors. He did not envy the wolves who lived there as he thought of flooded dens and soggy fur. At first, he paid little attention to the wolfess laying by herself in the sunlight. The cool water was too important and he drank his fill. Only when his thirst was sated did Matthias turn to see the wolfess. She was young, much like the other welp he had met when he first came to Moladion. Was this land full of pups?

Curious, he moved to her and sat a few feet away. Did she not realize how easy it would be for someone or something to sneak up on her like that? He sniffed the air, catching her scent, and realized she was a loner too. Interested, his steel blue eyes narrowed. “Keep that up and you’ll be dead come summer.” he said, sitting on his haunches. Matthias was never one for beating around the bush. Watching her carefully, he waited to see her reaction. How was she going to treat a stranger so much larger than she who had, perhaps, caught her off guard?