Ko-Ga was feeling helpful today — or at least benevolent enough to give Nate the heads up when a stranger came wandering by.

Walosi had no quarrel with curious outsiders, and though the borders were marked, preferred to greet strangers with a friendly face before a show of teeth. Nate wanted it to be a sanctuary. A place to find a purpose, settle down and build a life without having to spend all your days looking back over one shoulder.

He kenw enough of the world not to trust in everyone's good intentions. But he was choosing to believe, given the opportunity, folks would prefer to build something instead of destroy. And if not, they had waya like Samo and Chakliux to protect them.

With a short howl, Nate made his hello at a distance, both for the stranger and his tribemates. When he stepped out of the undergrowth a respectable distance away, his tail was raised in a wag to match the amiable grin on his face. Afternoon, Miss. Nate Ronan, at your service. He inclined his head. Welcome to Walosi.