Swiftcurrent Creek Sting like a bee

The arrival of another wolf spooked Njal, who hadn't heard anyone coming beyond the sound of the rain. He must have been deep in thought, or something. When he turned - half expecting to see the burly brown creature that he had sighted twice along the border, for some odd reason - he was ready to bare fang and take action; but it was only Jace. Upon sighting him Njal's defensiveness slackened, and he gave a rumble of acknowledgement to the boy.

Beyond that, Njal wasn't inclined to speak. He was surly from his adventures across the land, tired and weathered by the constant encroachment of others. He left Jace hanging for a moment or two before willing himself to speak up, his voice tired but hardy. "This rain makes all of our marking pointless," drawled the older wolf, as he cast a baleful eye upon the heavy rain. "-but, I suppose there is nothing to do but wait it out."

The chill of his rain-soaked pelt would lead to problems later though. Njal realized this as his shoulders began to shiver; thoroughly drenched and matted. He turned again to look at Jace, as if to size him up. "You look like a powerful individual, boy. How well can you fight?"