know yourself

The young Ashen prince wandered his way along the borders of the Empire's lands, following a well worn path of paw prints through the grass and soft earth. As one of Ashen's aspiring warriors, he would need to know the patrol routes for the pack like the back of his paw. In truth, Stolas would have much rather been reading one of his books or studying something in quiet silence, but he could not shirk off his duties or responsibilities, especially not now as he was getting older. The onyx and crimson furred lad followed the edges of the forest until he reached the golden shores of Boreas' coastline, the bright sun and cry of gulls overhead building a beautiful melody with the white noise of the lapping waves. It was a beautiful late spring day, perfect by all accounts.

As Stolas meandered along the silken sands, crunching the golden terrain beneath heavy paws, the adolescent wolf noticed the dark-furred stranger lurking around the edge of their borders, eyes fixated out on the islands in the distance. He followed her gaze for a brief moment, curious as he approached. She wasn't technically in Ashen lands yet, so he supposed she was okay where she was, but the way she was staring at their islands did put him on guard. Stolas approached, his paw steps mostly masked by the rhythmic lapping of the waves, though his dark form would be easy to see in the broad daylight. "Hello," he greeted the petite stranger as he came closer, now able to discern the speckling of white in her dark coat like stars in the sky. Fascinating! "I wouldn't recommend swimming out there. I'd have to chase you if you do." Stolas flashed a smile and a chuckle, showing off a rare bit of humor in amongst his warning.

"Stolas"