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JuniperIICo-Ownership agreementIITeepee

Juniper walked along the boundary of the part of the forest that he had claimed as his own. He would care for this place, just as he hoped it would care for him, and any future family he may have. He chuckled at that thought. Getting a little ahead of him, his thoughts were!

He stopped on top of a large rock that over looked a view of the plains below. He could hear the faint sound of the brook that babbled into the river that divided the plain below. He breathed deep the smell of the pine trees and flower; spring was finally here, the snow had melted giving rebirth to the land.

Something broke through his thoughts, and he found it was a spot running across the plain towards the large ribbon of water below from where he stood.

He was intrigued. Not many came this way, and those who did, mostly were lost in their way. He decied to check it out, just in case. He made his way down the slope of the foothill, following the babbiling sound of the brook to the faster, swifter sound of river.

He followed the river towards where he saw the movement before. It had been too fast for a two-legger, and too big for a small animal. He sniffed the wind, cautious and curious about the newcomer. Skinwalkers were also not strangers to this land, and they were better off left alone, and in his opinion, better off lost.

But the wind held no ill will in it’s scent, so he approached the edge of the river slowly, and saw a mare drinking from the pristine waters.

“Hello.” He said softly, trying not to startle the mare, “How are you this fine day?”

He took a small sip of water, drinking more than he had intended (It just tasted so good!), and then stood up smiling at the mare.

“The water is very good here!”

Juniper smiled at the pale mare as s slight pink hue joined the green one on her neck and face.

“I am doing well.” He said twitching his ears for any other sign of others. He knew being out in the open was a weakness as well as a boon. While he could actually see other’s approaching, his sight was limited while his ears and nose could tell him much more, “No, my home is up there in the foothills and the forest.” He moved his head in the directions of his home, then looked back towards the mare, “But I saw you approach the river from a lovely spot, and had to see if you needed any assistance.” He smiled and said, “Many get lost in those woods, and there is the odd skinwalker there, so I try to steer them in the right direction.” He then looked at her and said, “If you are truly tired, then feel free to use the shade of the trees in my territory. Perhaps, if you are hungry as well, I can find something for you to eat as you rest, and I can guide you to safer parts.”

He chuckled, “Please feel free to use my lands for your needs before you need to go,” He smiled kindly at her, “It is the least I can do for those who travel near or through it.”

He bowed his head in deference quickly, and then said, “I am Juniper, at your service.”

Juniper nodded and smiled, “It is a pleasure to meet you Irissa.” He thought for a moment and said, “I will guide you to a place that you can rest and find you some food.” He thought some more and said, “Three days from the forest you say? I know of some others who roam the land about a day’s journey from the forest. I can lead you to one of them if you wish. They would most likely be happy to accompany you for protection if you wish.”

He thought of the wind soquili that he knew of that camped with some two-leggers. Perhaps he could watch over if she decided to take him up on that offer. He just hoped the big bird wasn't too twitterpainted to help him out. Juniper looked at the little mare again and felt his heart tug a bit. She was so small and she seemed alone and scared. Well, if the big bird was busy, Juniper would just take the mare himself! He just couldn't stand a damsel in distress!

Juniper shook his head when she said she felt silly, "You are not the only one in this world who does not know how to protect one's self. We all start off defenseless and ignorant on how to protect ourselves from danger do we not? Do you think I was born knowing what to do with antlers? All you can do is learn." He smiled gently at her and said, "But at least while you are with me, I will try to protect you as best I can."

Juniper wondered if the mare would be able to protect herself from a Skinwalker. She seemed peaceful and delicate, and even if she had powers to protect her, would it be enough? Did she have the courage and inner-strength to stand up to them if she was cornered by them? Juniper shook such thoughts from his head, not wanting to picture anyone, let alone her, facing a Skinwalker without anyone else.

Juniper smiled and said, "Let's head to the shade first and see what I can find for you before we make any definite plans." He took one least cool sip of water from the river before he said, "I would just have to send word to the others who have land around mine that I will be gone for a period of time." he smiled, "They will look out for it while I am away." He was new to the area, but the other Cerynei were nice in this area and would understand the need. "I will do this while you rest. I will also gather some food for you to eat on as you do not know the area."