Bramblepoint amenamy

With new pups in the pack, Nightjar's protectiveness was dialed up to ten. He didn't know yet whether the new Blackthorns were worth his time or not, but even if they turned out as useless as their eldest brother, he would protect them with his life. He would protect Eljay, too, even if he would never admit it. So his patrols were more frequent and more aggressive than ever. Just that morning, he'd gone after a coyote that wasn't close enough to normally cause the wolves any concern, but was close enough to irk an overly protective Nightjar.

Now, he departed from the borders to extend his range to the outlying territories. One could argue that this only stripped the borders of one of its vital protectors, but Nightjar could trust his younger siblings and Elwood to keep their territory safe while he dipped out on business. He delved deep into Bramblepoint, occasionally spraying bushes and tree roots with urine as he went. The scent he left wasn't strong enough to imply a claim, but was strong enough to serve as an indication that there was a pack nearby. He hoped it would deter potential intruders long before they ever reached the Caldera's borders.

He wasn't paying attention to anything but this task when he stumbled upon the black-haired wolf rooting around the bushes at the far edge of Bramblepoint. Nightjar hesitated upon seeing her, torn between greeting her, attacking her (but that would be unreasonable even at his most territorial; she was nowhere near the Caldera on this end of the wood), and leaving without saying anything. By the time he made a decision, no doubt she would notice him, too.