The single white ear atop her skull drew my eye, and a small smile was offered as Malina revealed herself to me. Answering in kind, she moved forward from the shaded spot where she had rested, offering an invitation and then moving back within. As another cold breeze blew through, I did not hesitate to accept. Nodding my acquiescence, I stepped forward alongside the older shewolf, and with the motion the breeze was cut off and warmth radiated between our bodies. Winter would soon be upon us, and though I was befit for such weather, I was not beyond appreciating the heat of closed off spaces this time of year. Even with the overlook, the direct line of the wind was interrupted. “You have found a nice space for yourself here,” I said, looking to her, a question thinly veiled within my eyes. Would she make it a more permanent residence? But perhaps I would come to that later. There were other matters to discuss.

Lowering my hindquarters, I glanced out across Spirane for a moment before looking back to her. I did not see any reason to tiptoe around things with small talk. Preferring to get to the point, I moved directly into conversation. My tone remained casual and conversational as I spoke. “I am glad to still find you here. Much has changed in Moladion of late; I am curious - what do you make of Solara’s decision to step aside and hand the crown to Orion?” Knowing she had grown up in Diveen, and how strongly the wolves had rebelled against a non-Angel leader in the past, I wondered what her opinions on such matters might be now. Times had changed, but sometimes perceptions and opinions did not. In a way I was testing the waters after much time apart, to see if she was still open to offering her advice and opinions on such matters as these.

Before the destruction wrought upon the mountain by the usurper, Malina had been working towards a place as my Palfrey. She had readily displayed her ability to multi-task and master different trades. She had given me sound advice upon matters such as relations with Asteraia, and it was perhaps that which had lent the idea of her filling the vacancy of Hand to me. But the question remained as to whether or not she desired to make herself a permanent member of Spirane once more – she had not declared one way or the other upon my return to the mountains. The frequent presence of her scent along the back trails of the pack lands suggested one thing, while her lack of action suggested another. And then, of course, there was the matter of the unknown scent that often accompanied hers. But that was something that could be discussed later. For now I stuck to matters of Moladion as a whole. “And then, of course, there is Iromar.” My brows lifted slightly at this, though my eyes narrowed.