The Heartwood all we can do is try.

Viggo had left the spine to scout out the lands around them. Now that Ouroboros was decidedly his queen's, there was less reason to make sure that its inhabitants would follow her. Sure, there had been some resistance, but that was to be expected. However, the natural order of things made her their new leader, and they would have to come to terms with that sooner rather than later. It was to their advantage to do so. They would realize it or leave the spine. That choice was theirs, and theirs alone.

The Ostrega came to a forest, and he entered it without hesitation. It was not so close to Ouroboros Spine, and yet he felt protective of it. It was here that Ptarmigan and her followers would feast if their own land ever failed to produce enough food for them. He stepped quietly beneath the trees until he spotted a fine young lady sitting quietly beneath the branches that loomed overhead. She smelled strongly of other wolves, and Viggo knew at once that she belonged to another pack. But that did not stop him from approaching.

“Greetings,” he said smoothly, once within earshot. “Are you out here exploring, too?” he asked.