The new mother had risen not long after the sun that morning, but she stayed with her children. Quickly growing as they were, she cherished the chance to merely watch them sleep peacefully. She had heard the movements of others outside the den as they went about their daily tasks but the mother wondered at the miracle that were her sons and daughter. Her rambunctious boys were so restless, eager to get out and explore. But, as mothers were wont to do, she feared for them, knowing the dangers of the outside world. Everywhere they went she escorted them, or had them escorted by another trusted wold (or so she believed). Her sons she did not lack faith in, Thane and Levi would grow to make fantastic warriors in time, she was sure. It was her daughter, Kida, she worried most for. Young Kida was sweet and kind, so glaringly innocent she appeared ignorant of the pains of the world. Such pains Nnlya had suffered and never wished them upon her daughter. Her beautiful Kida, with a coat like her own and the eyes of her father. Only Levi had his mothers blue orbs, though a darker shade than her own bright spheres.

But sadly, a mother could not spend the entire day admiring her sleeping pups. When they rose, she lead them from the den to watch them play amongst themselves in the clearing. The two boys had been much rougher than their gentler sister. The Elite looked about, seeing a number of pack members still about. Content her children were safe, she set out to patrol the borders. Trotting away from the clearing, her tail picked up happily, glad for the chance to run and restore her fitness. After all her time spent with the pups growing inside her and her inability to train too strenuously, she wasn't as fit as she had been. Her rare opportunities to run and train were her bliss. Even border patrols were less tedious. Any chance to run was a chance at freedom. She increased her speed faster and faster until she felt she was flying, the cool spring air rushing through her nose, to her lungs and out in seconds. Thump-tha-da-dump. Thump-tha-da-dump. Thump-tha-da-dump. Went the pounding of her paws. The wind in her fur altered course and with it came the scent of a foreigner to their lands. She altered course to follow the scent, finding an older brute resting his weary body (and possibly his eyes). He had dark fur, greying around his cheeks and muzzle. The fae crept closer, innocently dipping her head to look upon his face. Was he sleeping? "Excuse me? Excuse me sir? Are you alright?" She sniffed around him, trying to scent any sort of disease or injury about him. "Sir? You are on the borders of Helidos. I am the Elite here. Sir? My name is Nnlya, can you tell me yours?"

The tired old brute awoke at her voice, pulling himself up to sit. She noted that they were close in height with possibly only the slightest disparity, making her just that little bit taller. She was used to it, she was taller than most in the pack and had been most of her life. Drogo was taller, which she liked. A few others were taller, usually the males. It didn't bother her. To her it just made her more of an even match against the big brutes out there. She hoped things would never come to that stage but clearly tensions were rising between Helidos and its enemies. Border patrols had a much more serious quality to them now, they weren't just a quick run to check everything was okay. Something felt amiss. She was more vigilant. This male didn't seem threatening, only older and kindly. She wasn't stupid, she knew it could be an act, but she liked to think of herself as a good judge of character. His great maw parted in a tired yawn. He took the initiative to answer her questions quite thoroughly and even ask some of his own. She was a little taken aback by his blatant honesty but it made sense once he mentioned his own beloved. He'd had experience. She smiled and nodded, "Yes, actually I have. That's very perceptive of you... Dalton was it?" She chuckled more to herself than at anything he'd said. "The hardest part is getting back to my old shape and fitness. My Alphess trusts me and I owe it to her to be in my best condition," she confided. The older male seemed a perfect candidate for entry into their ranks. His years offered the wisdom of experience and he didn't seem entirely incapable, he could make a half-decent warrior. "We are always willing to welcome newcomers to our ranks. Would you mind telling me of your past experience? We might be able to find a suitable rank for you until the time comes and you wish to retire as an Elder."

She nodded along with a gentle smile. She could already feel her pudgy belly dragging her down. The extra weight weighed on her mind, brought her down. She was having one of those bad days where no matter what she tried she always ended up reminiscing the days gone by. There were a lot of things she missed from her younger years. Friendships, interactions, special moments that were more comforting than a thousand licks on the cheek. She was desperate to experience those moments again, but it would be wrong to do so. It would spoil the happy memory she clung to so desperately. But she really did miss those times. She missed the feeling of freedom and how it felt to be truly loved. She used to run wild for hours just to feel the breeze in her fur. Now she ran around chasing after children. Her mate she loved, but it had been so long since she felt that love returned. Even surrounded by so many loved ones, she felt as alone as she had after the darkest pit of her life. But she hoped she could bring a little happiness to this old brute. Experience told her that making someone else happy wouldn't really affect her, but her stubborn mind told her this time it would be different. She pulled a sweet smile for the brute. "A previous Elite, maybe you could give me a few pointers?" She chuckled for him. "You seem to have plenty of useful experience. I'd be happy to make you one of our Warriors. Your insight and experience would be incredibly valuable in helping to train our younglings. I trust that you'll follow orders when called upon. Come, we'll find a a nice, comfy den." She turned, pointing them in the direction of the clearing.