Shasky, Suey, Tanner and Sally

The four Saltwater crocodiles didn't mind the fresh water lake. Of course any other smaller reptile that was threat was long gone now. The four owned this lake as far as they were concerned. Tanner was the largest at 23 feet with suey and shasky at 20 and sally at 17. They were all basking on shore.

Lupanare

Though the air was cold, it was also pleasantly still and brilliantly sunny this morning, with little more than a few scattered clouds drifting lazily along. For a dark skinned reptile, it offered a rare winter day where the rays of the sun could provide good warmth, at least until the wind started to pick up again. Pockets of heated water were a further boon to the cold blooded creatures, and it was those thermally toasted waters that had Lupanare heading to the lake this morning.

The caramel and cream colored wolfdog was making her way through the snow, loping along with an easy gate when her eyes fell on the four massive shapes lounging at the edge of the still waters. She slowed her approach, and stopped a few healthy yards away from the ancient beasts, holding her tail stiffly behind her. "What a discovery... good morning my friends." She had no clue that two of these creatures were the parents of Bluescale, but her mind was already turning towards how they could be a boon to the Haunters. Afterall, the moat was nearing completion again, and Dima and Bluescale were the only two River Monsters left to guard it.

Shasky, Suey, Tanner and Sally

Shasky heard the wolfdog but didn't care to move.Friends? Are we friends?He asked.

Suey, Tanner and Sally watch and listen.

Lupanare

Her ears perked, with one cremello aud tilting towards Shasky. With a slight chuckle she answered back, "I wouldn't want to consider us enemies." Their laid back attitude was certainly well warranted, Lupa figured. She was no threat to any of them, and knew their massive size and lazy appearance belied the thunderous speed and power in which they could attack, if provoked. That's why she was wise to stand a good distance from the lounging predators. "You guys seem to enjoy one another's company. How long have you been here, in this lake?"

Shasky, Suey, Tanner and Sally

Shasky watches her carefully. I see no one as enemy or friend prey or predatorHe said calmly. a yearHe said.

Lupanare

Lupa holds back a grin, impressed by Shasky's confidence. And why not? Aside from perhaps a brave and decently strong big cat, there was little a crocodile his size had to worry about. This cold weather made them more vulnerable for sure, but it didn't slow them down near enough for someone like Lupanare to be a threat. Respecting that power, she didn't dare come any closer to the scaly beasts. "Fair enough. And a year, so you've survived one cycle in the Valley." The wolfess nodded slowly, "How do you like it here, in the Lake? I know the waters are warm in some areas, but the rest of it is so cold, and ice forms over so much of it... that must be uncomfortable for you?"

Shasky, Suey, Tanner and Sally

He listens.Normally we like orca bay and the oceanHe said.But the orca's have grown in number and tried to target ushe said. It bothers us none as we can as mammals call it hibernate in a way we go under water and just keep our snouts above water and let the ice freeze around us and we sleep till it thaws.

Lupanare

Her mind turned towards the wolves of the sea, though she herself had only seen the orcas from a safe distance, and only then had caught sight of their oily black backs breaking through the waves. Having one of them on their side would provide quite the protection, but Lupa knew they were far too large to travel the streams, and even then they'd barely fit in the moat. She almost chuckled at the thought! "What if I told you we have a water source warm enough to prevent any ice from forming, even in the coldest of winters? And guaranteed meals whenever you wanted?" She turned her gaze from one giant reptile to the next, "Would you be interested in such a thing?"

Shasky, Suey, Tanner and Sally

Shasky watched her and listenedPerhapsHe said calmly.

Lupanare

"There is one thing." Lupanare added on, "There are currently two other Mons-" She stopped abruptly, catching herself using a moniker that few outside the Haunters would understand. "Two other reptiles that live there; Dima and Bluescale. You would be sharing a much smaller territory with them, and Dima is smaller than all of you, but, as I said, you would have guaranteed meals and warm waters. And no threat of humans to worry about." The last thing Lupa wanted was to invite these goliaths into their home, and have them devour one of their oldest River Monsters.

Shasky, Suey, Tanner and Sally

Shasky listened to her calmly.we have no problems with others similiar to us as long as they give us our respectHe said calmly.

Suey had tilted her head at the name bluescale but siad nothing.

Lupanare

"Perfect then." Lupa smiled, "Are you interested in such a proposal? I can lead you there if so. It's a bit of a trek, but one best made during a sunny day like this." It would be a daring trek for such large crocodiles, in the dead of winter and traveling uphill. But with breaks here and there, and utilizing the large streams that fed down from the Mountains, it would be possible as long as the calm weather held.

Shasky, Suey, Tanner and Sally

Shasky listened.I supposehe said standing up the others following suit.

Lupanare

Thank Imre! Lupanare quietly thought to herself. With the addition of these four powerhouses in the Haunters, even if it was mostly just around the moat and Dima's Temple, they now had a formidable defense against the Makucha if the other group was so brazen as to attack them. "Follow me, and let me know when you need to rest." Lupanare turned along the shoreline then, leading the quad of crocodiles to small river that fed into the Lake from the Mountains. From there, it would be a day-long trek back to their new home at the Ruins.

Shasky, Suey, Tanner and Sally

Shasky nodded and the four moved to follow