There couldn't be a denial that Célnes worried about the family. The wolves of Kingslend were not the kindest to the grayscale kind, especially the more devout ones. She wouldn't think they would attack a child, but being ignored can cause quite an issue for the family. She wouldn't want to drive them off- but thankfully no news was to be heard. At the same time, she doubted anyone would report to her.

Upon her own patrolling, the Deorwine came across one of them, "Hello Kiyoshi," she greeted the boy, walking to his side, "how are you enjoying the forest? Is it suiting well to you?"

"Of course." It wasn easy path, especially so it edged near a lake. There was some consideration to claim as so, but they were also a bit too weak at the moment to try and claim further. A large stream also connected through the woods, with a plains behind them so. Célnes had much to consider on expanding their territory, but the focus was the edge of the woods. For now, they must fortify the territory.

"As far as the forest expands- is ours as so. Another day we will pursue further, but for now we must protect what is ours." The Deorwine was leading the boy to the edge, right near where the lake Tuktu Weir was. Soon, they would be able to see the summit. Her eyes momentarily narrowed, thinking about the Firebirds that was across. They have claimed the glade that laid further- but it was far enough not to be a bother.

"Maybe one day- but we are too weak to claim anything else besides this forest." She didn't deny her ambitions, that desire to conquer and to take. However there was definitely an issue with said-plans, one being the inner turmoils of the family, and the other being a not-so-friendly pack in the distance. She was not so forgiving to be called in-bred wolves.

"For now, we remain in our forests and around. It was an fruitful land with the lake and streams- we must protect it."

"The Deorwine's hold home was bigger then this entire land. To the forests, to the plains, and the mountains and back.. They were ours. Though we were also bigger back then. There is a day I wish to bring back that glory." Perhaps in general there was hundreds of them flocking in the forest. She couldn't say the exact number, but Célnes was to be known. She was part of the royal bloodline, and a direct descendent.

"I hope you too, can grow with it."

"Your ancestors would be proud." While the Deorwine didn't know who the Dracnoids are, as she was foreign to this land; she understood the importance of bloodline. Kingslend was all about the ties they share under the single name, and she too, held pride for it. Though at times the shackles limited to what she so desired- but slowly, would Célnes reform to her desire.

She enjoyed wolves like  Kiyoshi, loyal and diligent; easy to handle. Perhaps it was why she also enjoyed Germanicus, he did not question her often, and followed her into the shadows. Wolves like Calhoun were too stubborn, and refused to see another way; then wolves like Ravinger were whimsical and hard to read their motives. Both, were undesirable.

Wolves like this child, were easy to sway and manage.

Impure thoughts swelled from the elken woman, but despite some motives, she still would help raise him appropriately.

"Do tell me more of your ancestry."

"I suppose in that way, our families are similar." Draconoids seemed to be the symbol of the dragon itself, mighty and powerful, just as the Deorwine honored the elk, noble and beautiful. Loyalty amongst themselves and the family, many hold their names so tightly, that without it, they were not part of what was 'Kingslend.' A family pack was true, but she held the desire to expand more then that. Célnes was firm to gain loyalty of those, who were not.

"Though ours is not only blood. Anyone is welcomed to take our name, through proper means of rituals. In time of Spring, we will require everyone not of our name to take it; but they will not have to take our name. To us, it is the means of loyalty to take part of our trials." It had already been said when she accepted Toshi and her loyal guard to Kingslend against many who protested. The consensus was they would be required to gain the High Elk's love through the means of gaining their family name. Of course though, she did not expect them to take the Deorwine name.

"I promise, no one will take your given name." Many valued their name, just as the Deorwine's do, she wouldn't want to trade her name for any. Célnes knew with the season coming up the time of rituals was near, however she more prioritize the factor of numbers and trust, rather then the need to take their own. Through the season that comes, the thought of children also offer new Deorwine's. She had no worry.

"As long as you want, I will always welcome you." And she so promised, he will always have a place here; even if the others forbade it. Though the King's word, is more powerful then the subjects.

She was greedy, for more.

fade?

There was something satisfying to have others bow to her so. Perhaps this is what her father wanted, how he thrown away even his family to be the perfect Crowned Prince, but never seemed to achieve. Célnes always did wonder what her Grandfather was thinking, how he never seemed to name an appropriate heir, but perhaps on his dying bed in the fires did he so. She would never know, for she was too busy running away, and hearing the cries of falling bretheren.

Survival of the fittest.

"Walk with me? I would like to see your route."