A howl cut through the otherwise quiet morning air on this pristine winter day. Overnight a fresh layer of powder had fallen, coating the mountainside anew in white. Many of the frequented paths had been filled in, covered and leaving no trace of wolves' passage throughout the territory. Even so, I knew where the trails lay, and could follow the easiest winter routes across the mountain with my eyes closed. Such was the case when you grew up in the mountains and learned their every in and out from the moment you could leave the den.

Picture perfect paw prints were left in my wake as I made my way towards the wolf whom had called upon me. His voice was unfamiliar, but his intent was clear. And yet I did not tip my head back and return his call, for it would be somewhat foolish to divulge that I was deep within the territory and far from the borders to a foreigner. It took me some time to reach the lower foothills of my homeland, but I had a feeling he would still be waiting there for me. There was a resolute tone in his voice that gave me a sense that his intentions were honorable.

Breaking from the tree line at long last, I approached him with my head, ears, and tail all lifted. Fire-rimmed mahogany eyes gave him a quick once over - he was slightly smaller than me, and yet his build spoke to the strength that he possessed. He held himself with a clear sense of purpose, that which I had come to learn. Treading through the deep snow with ease, I came within a wolf length from him before I halted. Nostrils flared, taking in his scent and noting the presence of another's upon him - perhaps a friend or mate who would join him later? For now it made little difference. He was the wolf standing upon my borders. "Good day; I am Nymeria Mountainborn, Bewilderbeast of Spirane and protector of the realm." It felt good to adopt a portion of my mother's title into my own, and although it was rather formal it was something of a necessity. "What brings you to the mountains, sir?"