Nihil Timeo! I Fear Nothing!

There is much to smell around these parts. The mountains had long been a well established pack. Even I knew that much. It had changed paws back and forth over time but seemed to settle always into the bloodline that now reigned it. Then again time changed everything, I assumed. Nothing was the same as before. It would always change, this world. Not that such a thing bothered me. Sometimes change brought some interesting adventures. Winter was coming to the valley and the rest of the continent, thus the movement of prey creatures was quite extreme. Squirrels looking for last minute nuts to stash lest they go hungry and starve in the cold, unforgiving white. A few bunnies hopped about, noses twitching side to side as they chewed fervently, trying to fatten up.

I wonder if there are any bears in Spirane. Father had told me of his exploits with mother, stumbling over and running from a bear, and the idea has taken hold. Not that I would seek one out purposely to get chased, but investigating sounded fine to me. I keep myself busy while I wait for someone to respond to me, moving along the border once more at a very slow walk so that I can take in everything. My ears flick back and forth, the sounds of birds and skittering creatures echoing in the woods, but it doesn't fall silent until I see the girl.

My red-tipped tail is raised in an open greeting, lips falling back in an easy smile that looks boyish on my face. If I was truly paying attention I would have noted the sudden quiet - a wolf didn't cause that even if a pack did. Look out! My eyes grow wide in alarm but I am quick on my toes, immediately pressing up so I can leap whichever direction I need, but she is like a lightning bolt and rams into me, throwing us both out of the way.

All I hear is the whoosh of air and the hiss of breath close to us as we tumble, but I am swift on my feet, legs splayed wide and tail straight out and stiff. My canines are visible now as I turn instinctively towards the threat. I stand side by side with the mountain girl as I survey my would-be-murderer. Thin. I feel sorry for her. She clearly needs sustenance and she must be desperate to attack me. I wasn't small but she did have the element of surprise.

Out of the corner of my eye I see Nymeria turn her head towards me and then the cougar leaps. With a jolt I am lunging into the air so that when we hit I take the brunt of the clash, falling down and rolling with the cougar's claws gripping into my fur. Trying to anyways. That was the good thing about winter fur coming early. They still pricked but in truth it was likely what had saved my life. I snarled, biting down on it's chest and inward shoulder blade. It yowled and hissed, attacking and biting at me, trying to get at my throat, but I kept my head down as I struggle to occupy it while at the same time trying to separate myself from it.

The claws came out with force as I back away, blood beginning to seep through the white of my fur but I am satisfied to see blood on it's chest. I am panting down, ears flat, not feeling fear, not feeling anything but the need to stay alive and make sure that Nymeria doesn't get hurt as well. I can't tell if the cougar is coming for me or not, only that a few inches are being gained between us.