It was close to dusk when Strai made his way to the strange ruins that littered this part of the Vikings territory. The persistent snow leopard cub was tagging along at his heels. He had some notion that perhaps he could train it - it was the only reason it hadn’t ended up on his dinner plate so far.
He stopped near the entrance to the ruins, and motioned for the cub. He was about to begin their lessons when a growling noise sounded from behind him. His ears swivelled backwards, and he turned very slowly. There, in the shadows of a ruined wall was the shape of a large cat. The lion's body was set in a hunting pose, and it was clear its eyes were on pup and cub. Strai moved slowly into a crouch, careful to make no sudden movements. His fur rippled along his spine, and a growl slowly grew on his own muzzle.