This was nice. A good change of pace. Settling into a mindset of 'retirement' wasn't exactly something I'd ever foreseen in my life - even if I was no longer Queen, that did not mean I could not still aid the pack in some way. And there was plenty to be said for what could transpire in even the simplest of conversations between two wolves. Companionship and the exchange of information often went hand in hand.

Tyrion settled in across from me, his contrasting eyes lifting to meet my gaze as he responded to my question. He gave a somewhat vague answer, but I found it interesting that the point most prominent to him in his mind was to mention that it was safe. I was glad to hear that - it was something I had long strived for, to provide safety to those who called this place home. To allow them to live free of the fears that old stories of wolves akin to the black prince might elicit. As for keeping to ourselves, "There was a time when we held alliances with every pack in the realm - young wolves would go on trips to the other packs to explore and forge future friendships. But it never lasts. The struggle for power has toppled one ruler after another. At some point, we learned that it was better to focus on those relationships that we could count on - like Diveen - and the strength of our home in and of itself."

What Kalseru and Nymeria might hope for the future of the pack might more greatly reflect what had once been. Perhaps, after losing so much, I had become more prone to holding what I valued close to me. I nodded as he spoke to the versatility of the wolves that called the mountains home. For as many mountainborn wolves as there were, there were many who had come here of their own accord and found their place within the pack. "I would agree. It has always been my belief that any wolf who seeks to serve some purpose to the pack, can. Wolves can help one another define their strengths."

My darkened ears flicked idly as I paused for a moment, allowing him a chance to respond if he had something to add. But then I posed a question to him, "Have you found any new strengths since joining the pack?"