The day was pristine - winter's chill relegated to the snow crunching underfoot while the sun warmed Sol's dark fur. She was downright toasty, and the iced-over crust of the snow coating the alpines made hunting smaller prey almost impossible. They'd hear it coming a mile away. Her morning had been devoted to a patrol while the sun was still waking, before Solulfur had checked on a few of the caches to ensure no scavengers were sniffing around them, and assess the pack's supply of food.

The winter was progressing smoothly. She had few worries to weigh at her, although a lack of pressing issues amongst her borders left plenty of room in Sol's mind to worry about outside her borders. Solvi's crimson attacker was still out there - the reykblindur, too. The Northfall tournament would be coming up soon, though when exactly she didn't know. Being unable to plan ahead frustrated her. She wished she knew if war or even lurking shadows of violence intended to creep up the mountain to encroach on her haven. She wished she could anticipate other threats, or diplomatic bonds that it was wise or inadvisable to form.

There was only so much she could do, as a single body, a single mind. Solulfur knew she was a powerful warmth and source of strength for her packmates - Dawnbreak's strength was the collective, and Solulfur a devoted caretaker of that in her own mysterious methods. She did not doubt her ability to do good work. She did not doubt her ability to push herself to her limits, and then a little further beyond. She was the Sun-wolf. She was a beacon of power, of strength, loyalty, wisdom - all the things she'd ever needed to be. All the things everyone had needed her to be.

But would it be enough? It was never enough. She was never enough, no matter how much she reached, how quickly she grew up, how strong she became.

He'd left anyway.

She'd been so young then, she knew now.

Solulfur blinked, taking a moment to check into her surroundings again. The Vale surrounded her, familiar pines and sprawling snow, far-off jutting cliffsides painted in rich, dark slate that curved around Dawnbreak's main territory protectively. The scent of warm sunlight and sweet honey reached her nose. Summer amongst the snow: Solvi's den was near.

Solulfur flicked her tail up, even with her spine, and trotted into view of the Mender's denning area. A soft chuff warned the sunbeam of her arrival, ears pricked with interest but a relaxed angle to their perch upon Sol's crown.

Solvi positively gleamed in the winter sunlight refracting off the patches of snow, golden pelt looking full and healthy. Solulfur was pleased to see the potential stress of the hard work her revolving door of patients procured wasn't wearing too harshly on the Mender, although she did feel a bit bad that she'd clearly woken Solvi from a surely well-earned nap.

Her tail swished, a faintly sheepish and unsure expression crossing Solulfur's features. I'm fine, She replied hastily to reassure Solvi. Even if she wasn't, the injury or illness would have to be significant to have her seeking out the Mender's help. She was fond of Solvi, but...not so fond of playing the part of patient.

The look of almost eagerness that was on Solvi's expression wasn't missed by the perceptive Black Sun, and some of her initial hesitation disappeared in the face of it. Solvi was well-liked by her packmates and for good reason. Solulfur had thought highly of her for some time, and never found an opportunity since for that trust to be misplaced. Company, if you would have me. She clarified, while moving to inspect the area nearby the blonde for the right spot to flop down. I thought it would be wise to take advantage of the sunlight and fine weather while I can. And...I had something to ask you. A brief pause, as Solulfur found the spot just within the Mender's personal bubble to circle once, then plop down with a few amiable pats of her tail on the earth.

The Northfall Tourney is coming up soon. I know it is an important festival, for our diplomatic opportunities and for the culture of our neighbors. I wanted to ask if you might be willing to have the... She glanced at the snoozing pale raccoon, so much bigger than when he'd been rescued from the river. If you could encourage Bjarki to...do my fur... Her voice got a bit quieter, as if a little unsure whether asking was even remotely polite. Like yours.

The raccoon padded closer, his odd paws and unusually bright, clear eyes garnering Solulfur's full attention. She dipped her chin and pricked her ears at the beast, not used to reading the raccoon's body language and not quite sure if she was about to be ridden about like he often did with Solvi or bitten. She hoped neither.

Neither did happen, because instead Bjarki opened his tiny maw and spoke to her.

He was, to his credit, very polite. It was this and his soft tone that likely protected him from Solulfur's instinct to sink her teeth into something she did not understand, which had thoroughly startled her. Her jaw dropped, but she did not move to strike, only stared at the raccoon.

Her golden gaze slid upward as Solvi interjected, realizing that the blonde was just as surprised as she. Solulfur did not bother to school her features like she would normally, when faced with potential embarrassment over not being in perfect control all the time. Solvi was as trusted an ally as could be, and Solulfur did not fear lowering some of her walls around her. Just being in the Mender's presence was akin to basking in a sunbeam's gentle, restorative warmth.

Bjarki, too, held some of that calm about him. And Solulfur had known him since he was a waterlogged, weak cub. After a moment, her alarm still faint in the creases across her expression, Solulfur gave the raccoon a mild, appreciative nod. Then, I...would ask. When the time comes, I would appreciate your assistance. She kept her gaze on Bjarki's green one as she addressed him, before glancing up to Solvi, who had also not been aware of the raccoon's ability for speech. Awkwardness was not something she enjoyed wearing, and often discarded it in favor of a false sense of confidence. Now, though, Solulfur walked the line between the two demeanors carefully. If you'd like, I can...leave you to acquaint with your...With Bjarki. Then, because her curiosity was stronger than her politeness: He'd never spoken before? Truly?