Summer often saw me retreat to the higher, cooler altitudes of the pack lands. We Mountainborn wolves tended to thrive in the lower temperatures of winter, and summer could sometimes be something of a struggle for us. But this summer had not been overly warm, or at least not unbearably so. And the duties of an alphess meant that enjoying the cool breezes found in the peaks could not always be enjoyed in a daily basis. Today found me roaming across the mid region of the pack lands, observing pack members from a distance and also tracking the movements of the herds. All was well within Spirane.

A few loud, pitched barks that seemed to be directed towards me caught my attention. I lifted my head, ears pricked forward and nostrils flaring slightly. At this distance I could not catch whatever new scent would be drafting up from the lower reaches of my territory. But the call had seemed friendly and perhaps curious in nature. So I tilted back my head and let loose a response - a short barking howl that would notify my guests that I was on my way if they could hear me, and my pack members that the arrivals were being tended to.

I took up a easy lope down the familiar mountain trails, so that when I arrived at the borders my rate of breathing was barely increased from its normal state. I was a fit shewolf in the prime of her life. Ears remained erect and my tail rose above the line of my back in a natural stance of dominance as I approached the two young males who were awaiting my arrival. As I closed the distance once more my nostrils flared, and this time I could pick up the nuances of their scents. I smiled, stopping before the pair before greeting them. "Good afternoon. I am Nymeria Mountainborn, Bewilderbeast of Spirane and protector of the realm. To what do I owe the pleasure of the company of two Taviora gentlemen this afternoon?"