Viinturuth had been a part of Neverwinter Forest only a few days, yet he felt stronger than he had in weeks. With his duties on the borders complete for one day, he took the opportunity to better explore the nearby unclaimed territories. He'd traveled the Teekon Wilds on his arrival but his only interest then was to find a suitable place to live, and thus had not bothered to take in the scenery.

A quick howl to his comrades announced his departure with the promise of return later in the evening and he set off North, skirting around the Silvertip Mountain and entering the woodland on the opposite side. Viinturuth then veered right, making his way onto higher ground.

He took his time, sauntering and checking out what the area had to offer. Everything here was so different to the rugged deserts of his birthplace, and although Viin found that he missed the heat of the South, he was slowly beginning to appreciate the Northern climate. Pausing at a nearby stream to quench his thirst, the silver-tipped Frostfur drank deeply and prepared to settle for a short rest.

His haunches did not even reach the ground before a familiar shriek had him standing on edge. Puma had been a common issue back in Susa, where they would trespass regularly when prey was scarce, and try to steal from Samarkand territory. Viinturuth, as a guard, had been one of the best when it came to sending those vile creatures packing... but never on his own.

Viin did not know why it sounded so enraged, but the last thing he needed was for it to pick up his scent and follow him back to Neverwinter Forest. Boldly, with his tail arched and hackles prickling, he hurried higher up the Keep and found the golden cat as it stalked closer to its intended victim, which just so happened to be a cornered young wolf. Immediately, without stopping to think, the raven Frostfur barked loudly in attempt to attract the angry feline's attention away from the cowering wolfess and onto him to give her a better opportunity to escape.

When the cougar swung its head in his direction to fix him with a fierce glower, Viinturuth hunched his powerful shoulders and readied himself what he anticipated would soon follow. As the little she-wolf scurried away, he could barely spare her a glance - taking his eyes off of the mountain lion could have dangerous consequences for him. And so he waited, bristled, unwilling to make the first move, and together wolf and cat continued their staring contest.

But then there was a snarl, and the sandy feline twisted itself with a grace Viin didn't think it to be capable of. Its approach felt drawn-out for him, almost slow motion, as it picked up the pace and padded heavily toward him. The dark brute parted his jaws in a terrifying snarl, lips peeled back to reveal his impressive set of fangs, and as he did so did the big cat stop in its tracks once more. At first he thought proudly that his own display had made the cougar hesitate, but he realised with the turn of its crown that he had not been the cause. Something else had sought its attention.

It was as though, all of a sudden, he did not exist. The mountain lion made to slink away, and Viinturuth rumbled as he began his pursuit. As he neared the cliff edge he spotted the dappled form of the female he'd tried to lure the cat away from and there she stood, stupidly inviting it back to her. Furrowing his brow, Viin used the opportunity to take a running start and, as swiftly and silently as he could, made his leap at the predator's flank as it contemplated a safe passage to its previous victim's level, sending them both rolling down the rocky slope in a snarling ball of black and gold.