[open] the graveyard follows the trail of the flame; any

[Ruan]

the taigan

"Has it been so long, Magnus?" So long, that he would not call for his friend as he arrived?

His deep voice melded with the forest breeze, an air of slight, dry amusement embedded in its natural firmness. Steady and quiet, as always, the winter wolf stepped forward with blue gaze pinned to the man he'd once considered a friend, however foolish it may or may not have been. As far as he knew, he had no reason not to trust the man before him. He believed him honorable thus far, but well was he familiar with betrayal by those closest to him.

"How is your Tephra after all these years?" he asked evenly, unaware of the mistreatment of the good man's kingdom as it passed hands repeatedly; some more likable than others as these things tended to go.

"The Taiga still thrives," he offered pointedly, a hint to the resolution that he intended to keep it that way. The true Taigans were relentless creatures, loyal to the land and those that protected it and each other. They would not balk if his dear friend dared to bring trouble to them. It wasn't something the Magnus he knew would ever do in a million years, but then Ruan seemed to be a terrible judge of character.

He allowed the quiet to grow as he waited to see how long it would take for Magnus to recognize him. Or for Jinju or Romek's daughter to join him in welcoming an old friend.

This was how he'd met Circinae once upon a time. The thought was unwelcome, though, and he shattered it before it could expand.