Rising Horizons

As Rhazien waits, the crisp air carries the scent of an impending snowfall. Small crystals begin their descent from the heavens, dancing lightly in the breeze and swirling in front of his face. There’s an existing layer of snow on the forest floor, and soon it will be covered in fresher powder. As he watches the flakes slowly fall, a few thoughts form in his mind. 

Snow helped mute sound, and it was easy to cover tracks with it. Snowbanks could be used as hiding places for ambushes. Deep snowdrifts, icy patches, and rugged terrain could slow enemy groups down, especially those who weren’t accustomed to the cold. He concluded that fighting battles in this forest may be beneficial if the majority of their wolves happened to be here during a raid.

And the first to arrive - his darling, dearest niece Kaino - must have read his mind. She placed a kiss on his cheek, and a deep rumble resonated from him - akin to a purr, as he reveled in her affection. “Strategic indeed.” He’d say with a nod, agreeing with her statement. Although he wasn’t anticipating a war with their neighbors so soon, he couldn’t disregard it. 

Aresenn was next to arrive. And then, Aurelia - the azure beauty who captivated him in many ways. Just the sight of her elicited a response from him. His pelt threatened to bristle, as lust and envy simmered in his gut. She’d been more irritated than usual lately, her lithe frame looking more… plump. Did Sephiran fill her womb with pups? He shakes the thought away, needing to focus on their task. He could brood over those details later. 

Shifting his weight, he flashes his suave, charming smile at Aurelia before turning to Aresenn. “Elysia and our militants can eradicate the coyotes.” He says, addressing his concern. “But it may take some time. This forest is massive, even larger than The Polar Sound. It will be difficult to maintain adequate patrols." He holds his gaze on Aresenn, knowing there was a plan in the works, with his little wraith Absinth. She was in charge of training the ravens on the island to start patrolling their domain and the neighboring territories. So perhaps that could be their solution until they had more bodies in their ranks.  

"Rhazien Saxe"