Ouroboros Spine The big lake they call Gitche Gumee

The howling in the lower reaches, as well as the nearby valley, had made Raimo more cautious on his patrols of the spine. He did not like knowing others might show up upon their borders, even if they were in need of aid. He did not like the thought that his place might be threatened with the growing of their population. Chief above all his worries came from the fact the calls were from one man, answered often. It gave Raimo a chance to count how many might appear to demand aid from their mountain at least, a tally which seemed to grow every few days.

He had made the choice to guard the paths which led towards those voices, so when the man did appear Raimo would be ready to intercept him. The moment he heard the man's call — this time much closer and clearer than before — Raimo was not far. He journeyed through the trees at a quicker prowl than usual.

When he saw them he wasn't sure what to make of them, together. The golden man and his companion, a shadow. He studied them for a few minutes and took note of how the darker wolf held himself. As if he were made of shadows that wanted to split beneath the light. Raimo watched him practically melt to the earth and sit there silently, clearly overworked by some ordeal.

Between the two men Raimo felt he could handle anything they threw his way. If they were a threat it would be easy enough to dissuade them. He did not announce himself in the same manner: instead, Raimo slid from among the trees on the other side of the border and liesurely approached where they sat.

He planted himself in their path at a distance, watching them.