Both Baird and Nymeria seemed almost sheepish as they approached the pile of dung beside which he rested, and Sleekwing couldn't help but grin at their embarrassed expressions. He very nearly made a comment to reassure them that with time they would both become better at being able to detect even the smallest of differences along the border lands, but he refrained. In their own ways, each of them appeared to accept the challenge, the need to better themselves so that they would not miss something like this again. These two juveniles had a lot of potential, and Sleekwing would do all that he could to help groom them for their futures within the pack - no matter who emerged as the obvious choice as his successor. After a moment, Baird asked whether or not the dung belonged to the lion who had been a familiar resident upon the mountain for quite a few years now. Glancing towards Nymeria, he noticed the way she was straining to get a better sense of the fading scent that still lingered. She looked to Baird and offered her input, then to him for answers.

"One of her daughters from a couple of years back - she left Moladion some time ago, this is the first I had smelt of her since her dispersal. She may have returned because she was not faring well on her own, or perhaps to investigate whether or not she could hold up in a challenge against her mother for her birth lands. I've only caught wind of her twice now - she seems to come and go, testing whether it is worth it to try to come back." With that, Sleekwing rose to his paws and moved past Baird and Nymeria to resume the trail they had been following. He paused, giving them a moment to more closely investigate the pile if they chose to, then motioned for them to continue on with him. There was still a lot of ground to cover, and things he wished to show them.

Jogging along the path, he led them ever further north, explaining different routines he had on different days and at different times. Eventually, if he was able to retain both of their attentions long enough, they would reach the northern border that was shared with Taviora, and there they would be able to discuss the implications of such a thing. But Sleekwing was sure to pace each lesson, ensuring neither lost interest or grew fatigued.

Border patrol was not only a test of one's senses, but also one's patience. Sleekwing had always loved his duty, and put his whole heart into it. The quietness of a morning's run along the periphery of the pack lands offered him time to appreciate his place within the world. Life had not gone necessarily as planned, or as he had once fancied they might when he was a mere pup in Solevion of old. He had an unconventional family that he loved, and a job that gave him fulfillment. Looking to the two young wolves that shadowed him, he hoped that one of them would find a similar gratification in the duties of the Castellan - or whatever name the rank may take in the future. Sleekwing would likely never truly and entirely retire from his duties, but he wished to pass the helm on to the future of the pack - after all, he wouldn't be around forever.

OOC; I think we can consider this thread wrapped up now, unless you wanted to get in one last Baird post, Dargon! Up to you. c: