Just as he was alert to all that lay before him, Sleeking was well aware of what was behind him. When Baird's footsteps had ceased to shadow his own, the elder male did not make a big deal of it. He, too, was aware of the dead tree that had finally given way to gravity and rejoined with the earth. Sleekwing kept moving forward, but a single ear tilted back to listen for if and when Baird would rejoin them. It was when he sensed that Nymeria had noticed her peer's absence as well that his pace slowed and his attention turned to his two pupils. He spoke about the importance of the task at hand, and it seemed to work well to divert his niece's attention away from Baird's diversion. Cerulean eyes lifted as he lectured on the subject at hand, spotting the young male loping to catch up to them. The question he posed to his two students was open ended. There were many correct answers, and few wrong ones. But how they responded would allow Sleekwing the chance to learn a little more about what stance they each took on the job of patrolling the realm.

His gaze locked on Baird as they continued to walk along the periphery of the pack lands, and Sleekwing learned then that the lad showed an inclination for being in tune with the land around him. The points he made were all in regard to what happened within Spirane, to the very mountain herself, and Sleekwing nodded his head in agreement. Then it was Nymeria's turn, and her uncle was pleasantly surprised that she did not go for the obvious answer of 'noticing trespassers and fighting them off,' which was what he had anticipated from her. Instead, she spoke of accountability for the presence of each member of the pack, even hinging on Baird's reply a little bit with the mention of natural disasters. He offered her the same approving nod that he had shown Baird. They had both done well. "You are both right - even in times of peace there is always the potential for some kind of threat to befall our home, or Moladion as a whole. Like you said, Baird, nature can take a nasty turn without much warning. But if you are aware of the world around you, sometimes there are subtle hints that can alert you to what may come. And Nymeria, if you suspect something may happen, you can make your Queen aware of who is missing from the pack lands and how long they have been gone." By this point they had passed the stale pile of mountain lion droppings, and neither adolescent had taken notice of it.

"Border patrol is a multifaceted job - you must be able to keep both of the things you have mentioned in mind, and much much more than that all at once." He then turned in towards the two younger wolves, motioning with his snout that he wanted them to about face as he circled around them and headed back in the direction they'd come. He jogged ahead, coming to the scat and sitting down beside it. When Baird and Nymeria had caught up to him, he spoke once more. "We must also be aware of the other animals who make their home upon the mountain - their comings and goings are just as important as those of the pack." He looked between the two young wolves, giving them the chance to ask any questions should they have them. If not, they would continue on their trek shortly.