Mahogany eyes watched the scene unfolding in the small, grassy valley below me. My gaze was filled with mirth, watching the youngsters of the pack tumble about in play. The forms of play shifted and changed almost continuously - first bouts of play fights, which then evolved into a full blown game of tag, and then pounce! it was a pile of younglings wrestling and training to become king of the hill of bodies. No one stayed on top for long, devolving into nipped ears and tails wagging so hard they battered one another until the heap was broken up and they each stood as individuals once more. Greywind and Vhagar were there, my yearling granddaughters, as well as other yearlings and two year olds looking for an outlet for their overflowing energy.

Some small part of my envied them, and yet I was content to simply watch over them from above. Throughout the months of spring there had been multiple attempts to steal away the youth of the pack, and though the wolf from the plains had been unsuccessful, it still caused a bit of worry to well up within me. At twenty years of age, I was no longer the strong shewolf I had once been, but I would still put my life on the line to protect any one of the wolves that tussled about in play below me. After all, they were the future of Spirane, and even in retirement it was still my duty to protect that future. It always would be. They weren't aware of my presence, though, and there was no need for them to be. They were old enough to not need a babysitter, and so I remained where I was, simply enjoying the view.

How they continued on in such a banner nearly baffled me. This summer was a particularly hot one, and though their tongues lolled from their mouths, the heat itself didn't seem to impede upon their play. As for me, I was enjoying the coolness of the shade I'd found, perched upon the precipice of a slight overhang of earth, almost like a balcony overlooking a courtyard. Ah, yes, let the children have their fun. Resting high above them and enjoying the show was plenty enough to keep me happy for the afternoon.