Ever protective of what had become most assuredly her’s, Pine was indeed tracing the trails surrounding Iromar’s borders. Careful not to stick to habit, or routine, there were times she purposefully stepped off the paths to so her rounds in fresh dirt. Not only would it keep herself diligent, but also to keep her movements unpredictable. This was one of those days she slipped from the mists and the reeds, but still with enough openness and warning that Jackdaw would be able to see her coming. The alphess trotted up to him, her tail up but wagging, very little dominance in her poise. He was a packmate, a companion, and a friend to Iromar. A loyal wolf to her, as far as she knew. He also brought an impressively sized alligator. She waved her tail in pleasure at the meat, she always enjoyed alligator, until his following statements reached her ears.

She knew of at least four pups of Aranck who had been born just before her regaining the crown. It always brought her relief that others of the pack had answered her request to keep them safe and look out for their wellbeing. There was another season of pups, it seemed, that otherwise unaccounted for. Pine’s brows furrowed in concern. At least one of the pups was save in Taviora. She knew she could trust the wolves of the forest. That left an unknown number of pups in unknown places. It was not necessarily that she was concerned they would grow up to be like their sire, it was that she was concerned for them. All of the news Jackdaw brought her weighed down on the young queen’s mind. A pup had been killed for reasons unknown. The second pup to die with ties to Iromar. Along with countless other crimes that had occurred in Iromar. For the last year and a half, Iromar’s moors had been filled with blood and Pine was still sifting through it.

Pine’s youthful face had darkened in her thoughts. It was one of the rare times her maturity and ability to rule came through her glimmering forested eyes. There was a balance she needed to reign in her realm. A land of innocence and power. She gritted her teeth in determination. One way or another, she would bring this place back into power and Iromar would rise to greatness again. She would bring it back to a place where Aithne and Big Wolf would be proud. She exhaled through her nose and looked at Jackdaw with another, though smaller, smile on her face. Thanks, Jackdaw. You have done more than expected of you! Her tail swayed again, an empty reminder of her outgoing nature. It was impossible to be cheerful with the news he had brought her. No one will be lost like that here again. Her words made it clear it was a vow to herself and the land. If you do catch wind of any pups, Aranck’s or otherwise, who need a home and protection; bring them here. ...if you want. She would not force her pack members to do things they did not want to do, but she hoped their loyalty to the pack would spur them to do these things. Otherwise, Jackdaw, I hereby name you the Centaur of Iromar. Is there anything else you have for me? The question was innocent enough, and Pine attempted to cling to their conversation. With the few sentances he had brought to her she already had much to think about.