Stavanger Bay The night so black that the darkness hummed.

Charon picked up Thistle's scent while he was on his way to the borders for a patrol, and he decided to join her; maybe she wanted to patrol together, or maybe he could take over her patrol so that she could go back to the pups if she preferred. The adolescent walked proud, with his coming-of-age rapidly nearing and already he felt top dog in Stavanger Bay.

When Thistle came into view, he noticed instantly that another wolf was with her. Charon froze, adrenaline rushing through his veins as he noticed Thistle's not-so-friendly stance. Trespasser.

While he'd given many brave stories of his run-in with the monstrous dog in Dawnlark Plains, in truth Charon had wet himself and run like a baby. While older now, Charon remembered it vividly.

Then he thought back to the time he had chased of a wolf to rescue his brother, Levi. He couldn't let Thistle Cloud down, now; she was all his little siblings had. Charon tried to channel all the adrenaline and bravery he'd felt when he had rescued Levi that one day and approached with his tail curled over his back and head held high. While at full size -- an average sort of size -- the signs of youth still lingered around Charon in the shape of his lithe frame and youthful features.

Without a word, Charon trotted towards Thistle and the stranger, blocking the stranger's path deeper into Stavanger Bay's territories and fully intending to attack if he needed to defend his land and siblings. He wouldn't let the stranger pass.