Thunder Dome THE HATTER IS ARMED WITH A CACTUS

@Winter

The time was almost upon them. In the near future, she'd climb to the highest reaches of the volcano that she could and let her voice fill the air around them. She would claim the territory not only for herself, but for those who'd decided to follow her as well. It would serve as their home, their empire, and she would do well to protect it from any imposing threats. Even presently, while she had no official claim on the land, her intentions were to keep it and it's inhabitants safe. It seemed not many came to the peak, much to her relief and worry, which she suspected was due to the clouds looming dangerously overhead. The entire peak was a hot spot for storms, acting like an iron rod, so to speak, in the way it attracted the sky's flame. For the wolf who feared little, it was naught of concern, but she could understand fully how it might frighten others away. No matter, she'd attempted to keep her mind clear of such negative thoughts, for, in spite of the location she'd chosen, she still had located those interested in being one with her tribe.

While the dragon knew of the concern some might feel when looking upon her home from a distance, she'd not traveled out in search of more subordinates as of late. Since her return, she'd had one visit her borders, and that lone presence had been enough to assure her that not all feared the dangers of the volcano. There were some out there who, like herself, could see the beauty in it—or, perhaps, were just that much interested in finding a home that they'd take what they could get. Whichever the reasoning was, she did not question it, but only ever asked that those who chose to stay held loyalty in their hearts. Such thoughts filled her mind each time she lingered along the borders, serving as a reminder to herself that she could not turn someone away simply because they were uncertain of her claim. However, it also made her recall the fact that she could not take everyone in just because she wished to help them. She needed those willing to assist in the bettering of her tribe, not selfish fools interested only in filling their stomachs and taking all but giving nothing. Such beings were despicable, and she'd need to be wary of them in the future.

Asterr had set out with those same thoughts present in her mind, steps so silent one might mistake her for a phantom; though she was anything but. The yearling was very much alive, and had departed from the cavern in order to check the boundaries. There was also another motive behind her actions, of course, which was to travel to a nearby territory just as she'd done before. Expanding her reaches could lead to able bodies being found, and those were the very same types of beings she needed. As she'd made her way down one of the ledges, there came a scent, one that was unfamiliar to her. It was a wolf, but the owner was a stranger to her. Wondering who it might be, and why they'd drawn so near, the Draconid had altered her path in order to set herself on a course leading straight to them. Her ears were erect, body language showing she was attentive, and her tail was raised slightly. Once the stranger entered her vision, Asterr would greet her with a soft nod of her head, but remain silent for the first few moments.