Arturio was unsure of what to expect in the world lately. Age seemed to have slowly caught up to him. Was it really slow, or did the challenge that he survived simply make him see it more clearly? Gods have mercy, he thought. The white wolf was definitely out of his prime, and he seemed to feel it more and more with each passing day. That had his thoughts linger to what would become of Diveen when he could no longer defend it? Azariah had trusted him to help take care of the pack, as Orion had trusted her to do the same. So, he did his best with just that.
All the more, let the land of rising plateaus enjoy their peace, let us keep it. That was the best he could ever hope for. Arturio had settled for a time on one of his typical posts. In the distance, he could see the sweeping plains to the north and west, and the high waters that ended up more to the south of Glorall. It all seemed like specks in the distance, but he had a grand view from this position. There was minimal hustle and bustle about his home, but he knew his pack was about. Their scents lingered, and the occasional flicker of movement reminded him that they were not scattered to the four winds.
A smiled creased his maw. Yes, they were still here. Smaller in numbers, perhaps, but those who truly felt at home had not gone. The Thunder King stood tall even as the breeze tousled his thick coat. Summer was not his favorite season, so even a summer breeze was more than welcome. As his thoughts wandered, a speck in the distance caught his eye. His emerald eyes watched it with curiosity. From this distance, there was no telling who or what it was. Even so, with the way things had been going lately, Arturio opted to make his way down the steppes. Perhaps they would cross the fields, so best to meet somewhere in the middle if the arrived at Diveen's door. It the speck did not arrive, then he could simply go about his patrols.
As he reached the base, the call immediately caused his ears to stand erect; his head raised a little higher. No... It couldn't be her... It had been so long, the Thunder King feared the worst of the Lightning Queen. Azariah's voice was very distinct. This was no illusion or trick of his mind. Arturio quickly picked up the pace to meet their lost Queen. She was finally home, and he'd be damned if he didn't greet her first.
As she came into view, he could see part of her travels on her. Not that he looked much better, being only some days from defending their home. Fresh scars, but healing well on him, and not so much different on her.