Blacktail Deer Plateau Life Always Ends In Death

After a while, Valtýr became part of Pura's daily routine. His presence no longer chafed, and when the boy wandered off on his own, the older wolf noticed. Having been left to his own devices for some time - to pee, patrol, and ponder his next move in the grander scheme - Pura sought to locate his companion and propose an afternoon of activity. Perhaps they could even leave the Plateau.

But the end of a familiar scent trail led to a wolf that stood tense and preoccupied at the edge of the pack's claim. Pura eased in next to Valtýr and followed his narrow snout to the distant stranger, who just then hailed the younger wolf in a high, friendly voice. Pura's lips peeled back over parted teeth, and a low rumbling began in the pit of his belly. "Enemy," he declared without looking at Valtýr, tongue lashing snake-like between his incisors.