Golden Glade Sparks

If Alder wasn't glued to either Aspen or Heartha's side, hunting, or something else deemed useful, he found himself stalking the borders and marking them thickly. It was on one of these patrols he was called to- Alder was swift in hurrying forward to the caller. Their numbers were growing, and for the first time since they found the Glade, the ruler was confident in their stake here. 

When faced with the strengthening scent of three strangers, his paws stepped further in lengthened strides. Tail curling above his back and ears cupped forward atop a highly raised head, Alder was becoming more confident that he could soon claim his rank again without upsetting the hormonal Queen that was his mate. Even so, he'd never stopped acting as the King- in his heart, he always would be.

His one good eye settled on the one who he was sure had called- a pale woman with the faint scents of pregnancy hormones, a fully grown female pressing into her as if she were a pup herself - and tipped his masked face in curiosity. His voice was calm, stoic- but not as cold as hed once been. Now, he was far more welcoming and warm: to those who deserved it, of course.

                          "You rang?"