Swiftcurrent Creek this exam accounts for 80% of your final grade

Dawn broke over the territory, and with it the birds began to sing. But it was not in this moment that Njal awoke, for he had become accustomed to waking even earlier - rivaling the sun in vigilance. The man brooded alongside his wife, who remained asleep even as he roused himself and departed the den mouth. For a few hours the warden did what he did best. Stationing himself there, Njal could oversee a segment of the river just beyond the fields. He was antsy for action, now more than days before, as he had assumed an even higher rank. Beta, the mountain chuffed to himself, This is where I am meant to be. And he firmly believed it. With his new rank appointed only hours before - in the middle of the night, clandestine in that regard - he hadn't even told Tuwawi yet; but by the time morning truly sprang to life around them, she would know.

He remained at the mouth of the den, standing for a few moments and then sitting, or pacing. Njal could not sit still for long. And then, out of the corner of his vision, he spied a white cloud - "Bazi," his voice rumbled, but he then silenced himself. Casting a glance towards the dark den mouth to make sure Tuwawi was still asleep, he was just about to march an intercept course towards his rank-buddy when she was suddenly there.

Bazi was quick in her words, and mindful enough to keep them quiet. Her plan was met with a nod, and though Njal was an older gentleman, he felt a great strain while he tried to contain his glee; a wave of his tail was all that betrayed things, along with a fire burning in the pit of his gaze. "That is a good idea. But let us do it away from my wife's sleeping quarters." Njal smirked as he spoke, and then wordlessly ushered Bazi away from the den mouth, towards the edge of the river.