Horizon Ridge Turning Angel Wings to Dust

I'll keep you company until Sophie tosses Akhlut in here. :)

The pack's Iota harbored no desire whatsoever to become a guardian, as she found patrols boring and liked confrontations even less. However, as the days and weeks passed, Pied discovered within herself a fierce sense of protectiveness. This was the home she shared with Kisu and her other pack mates now, the place where she eventually planned to bring pups into the world. She felt more dedicated to Horizon Ridge than any other pack since leaving Jawbone Hill and she knew she would do anything in her power to maintain peace and prosperity here.

Thus, it went without saying that when a strange voice rose up into the cold air from the direction of the borders, Pied took it upon herself to respond to the implied summons. She strode in the direction of the call, making conscious adjustments to her posture even as she loped stiffly across the rocky sands to intercept the stranger. Dominance did not come naturally to her, per se, but she held her head upright, pricked her hoary ears and even raised her tail to curl over her silver-plaited hips.

Despite her businesslike approach, Pied spoke amiably when she came within earshot. Her manner gave away none of the slight apprehension she felt in the presence of an unfamiliar and likely stronger male. "Hello." She waited until she reached him to say more. She planted her forepaws firmly, her two-toned gaze looking him over speculatively. "What brings you to Horizon Ridge's borders?" Pied asked.