His grandchildren were yearlings now, and his first litter would follow them soon enough. What a wild thought that was, the fact he'd done that backwards nonwithstanding. Right, something about his grandchildren being months older than his first litter, but whatever. It was about who'd been around through their upbringing, though Víðarr would have liked to be more involved with some. He'd spent a lot of his time wrangling Delphi, something he didn't regret, but he wants the same closeness with all of them. Maybe that's the sentimental beast in him. The shadow king surprised even himself.

As things grew warmer, some of their more staple visitors were near once more. Cyanide, Unagi, and Tama had returned with the sun to the mountain, and he was more than happy with that. Celeste was still missing, and he was still in knots over it. He'd travel south soon, now that things had cooled there. Putting word out with the help of his companions would only go so far, going in person would be better. Right, the preparations would take time, and today... today he'd at least spend time with Unagi.

Calling for the child, he knew just what the lesson would be. Hovering around the border between the Steppe and the neighboring packs, he waited for the child. A strategy lesson would do the little brawler well.
"Víðarr"

The warming weather has brought Unagi back into the borders of her grandfather’s pack. It is wonderful to be home and the girl has taken some time to catch up with her other siblings. Yet, as the days slowly pass by, she finds herself growing bored and restless. It is early in the day and the black and white girl lingers near the entrance to her den, uncertain of what she should do.

A call from her grandfather summons her and she is quick to answer, bounding happily down the mountain and into the steppe that lays just beyond. Huffing and puffing, she spies Víðarr and she gleefully bounces over to the dark wolf, warmly embracing the man she calls grandfather.

Once that is done, she takes a couple steps back and continues to pant while smiling joyfully at him. Brows lift as she says, “Hey grandpa! What can I do for you?” Unagi is ready to help him with whatever he needs.


"Hattori-Klein Unagi"

She appears quickly, and the viking king can't hide his delight. A little glimmer in his icy gaze, his head tossing a bit. She looked healthy, like the winter away hadn't done much to deter her growth. Good, wherever that mother of hers had taken her, she'd been well fed. She'd been well cared for. Still, it's better that they're home, where they belong. Another squeeze to his chest as he thinks of Celeste. Tough girl, she could protect herself, Víðarr doesn't want her to have to.

Ah, yes, the yearling's solid hug. The shadow returns the embrace warmly, reaching up to muss the child's ears. "You have grown," the words are warm. Every bit of him is warmth, in the way reserved entirely for his family. "You were always a fighter, but there are things you can learn, beyond the physical. Does that interest you?" Carefully, he assesses the girl's expression. His grandchildren would be more than mere brawlers, he was sure of it. It was a question of finding them the right placements, and it was damn near time for him to start.

"Víðarr"

When her grandfather musses her ears, Unagi giggles with delight as she playfully reaches up to bat at his paw… all while secretly enjoying it. The warmth that the icy giant gives her is returned tenfold and the large girl is grateful to be back in his presence. Stepping back, he remarks about how she has grown and the bright smile that is beamed at him is almost blinding. Tail wags fast at her hips as she dips her head in agreement, saying, “Yeah! And that stubborn fat is finally giving away to muscle! Look!”

With that, she plops her butt on the ground and does the wolf equivalent of an arm flex, showing off her new, bulky muscles. His words about learning things beyond just being a physical fighter piques her interest and Unagi bobs her head in fervent agreement. Excited, paws tippy-tapping the ground, she says, “Teach me grandpa! I want to be an amazing warrior, just like you!” Mismatched eyes are bright with wonder and curiosity as the yearling hangs on every word that he has to offer her.


"Hattori-Klein Unagi"

The child could protest all she wanted, the viking king would still be here to gently poke at her. It's his privilege as a grandfather, and he will take it. Regarding the girl fondly as she sits back, as she flexes. He gives an approving sort of grin, impressed by how she was coming along. Good, and her hard work would be rewarded. "Remember, fat is never the enemy. Bears are hard to kill because of their fat, and we can be the same. Muscle is the goal, yes, and I am proud of you." He claps Unagi gently on the shoulder. Warmly.

"I will teach you what I can, my lamb. I promise." The words are spoken with a little more weight than he maybe intends, but they are the correct ones in the moment. He's decided as much. Beginning to lead the way down the boundary that separated the Steppe from Firefly Lake, the viking king tipped his muzzle. Indicating to the child that she should follow. "Can you tell me what is special about the Steppe and its borders?" His question is gentle, probing. What did she already know?

"Víðarr"