Everything had changed. Once again, her world was turned upside down. But this time, it was by her own choice. For over a week now, Jynx had reverted back to her nomadic lifestyle, leaving Grizzly Hollow, pack life, and her title, behind. How ironic it was, that one fateful decision could change it all. She had gone from the Leader of a pack in which she had lead several successful hunts and acceptance of members, to the lonely existence of a solitary wolf, with no family to back her up. She had left everything.
 

And in her own eyes, that was the way it had to be, for the best. She had known ever since that day @Rook had invited her back to his home, that her stay would only be temporary. The last thing she was expecting was to find herself filling the shoes of a Leader, responsible for the entire well being of the pack. And she certainly had not anticipated on staying quite as long as she did. Although @Veho had lost her respect, he at least helped in giving her the push...the realization she needed, that her time in the Cedars was up. She had tried to make it work there...to integrate herself with the others, to get to know them. But the responsibilities of being in charge kept her busy, and often tired at the end of the day. No one else seemed interested in going out of their way to engage her either. That was all the proof there she needed, plus @Veho's lack of respect and appreciation, that this pack was not the right fit. Perhaps no pack was. She belonged nowhere.

Of course. Was the thought that echoed in the hollow of her mind, as she now edged her way Northward. A bitter, humorless laugh passed up and out of her throat, eyes slightly narrowed as she trudged on ahead. She had no niche, no purpose. Why should she? She was but a misfit, born to a mother and father she never even knew, cast out of their respective packs. Hell, even her adoptive father had been, by coincidence, a lone wolf as well. With this harsh reality planted firmly in place, she in turn, accepted that this was how she was meant to live her life. As she edged her way carefully down the steep embankments, the ground still covered in a thin layer of rapidly melting snow, she kept her eyes fixed steadily on the glassy surface of the river ahead of her. Another reminder of where she had come from. But at least this one was out in the open, and not in the midst of the forest. She was glad to get away, to be in uncharted territory. The CedarWood forest often felt too familiar, almost suffocating. Despite only being gone just over a week, already any hints of a pack scent were long gone from her russet and gray flecked coat. She smelled of nothing but fir, earth damp snow. The way a solitary wolf should smell.

As her paws reached the muddied banks at the slowly flowing river, leaving multiple prints behind her, she came to a stop. Bending down, she took a moment to drink from the cold, refreshing water, eyes fixed on the opposite bank for any sign of movement. That is, until she ceased altogether, drawn by her reflection in the water. She stared back at the wolf who looked at her, with a cleanly defined muzzle, and simple yet attractive markings. And bright yellow eyes. Yet their expression was solemn, deadened. Jynx was reminded of the fact that all wolves, by nature, longed for the company of their own kind. She was no exception. But how could she fulfill that need, when there was no place for her? Deflated, and overcome by bitterness and self pity, the once proud pack wolf sighed and laid down with her head dejectedly between her forelegs, burning eyes staring into an empty void.
 

Even if the weather was pleasant, her mood was a far cry from it. All the sunshine and blue skies in the world could do nothing to budge Jynx from her mood. Sour, lonely and reclusive, she was torn in wanting to be by herself, or to take a chance with some company again. A heavy sigh pressed through her lungs, and out of her nose, her body heaving slightly with the movement.

Her thoughts jumped randomly from one idea to another. Perhaps she should find her way out of Relic Lore, and travel elsewhere. Or she could stay, and join up with a band of lone wolves. But then, she would have to cope with finding her place among them again...a situation she wanted to avoid. She could always frequent the borders of the packs, taking her chances by stealing scraps. But, that was hardly the wisest move she could make. Besides, it was not in her nature to resort to thievery. Fate it seemed, had already decided for her, if she was to be left in peace or not. Long before she could see her, the distinct smell of a steadily approaching wolf tickled her nose. She doubted they knew she was already there, laying almost lifelessly by the river. Save for the subtle twitch of her right ear, she paid the oncoming stranger no mind. Maybe if she held still like she had been doing for the past five minutes, they'd move on.

No such luck. Not today. Out of the corner of her eye, Jynx saw the movement. They were slowly coming closer, and she had been spotted. She cursed her luck as a shiver, which resulted in the stiffening of her spine, took over her body. Her ears lowered some, airplaning to the side to advertise her unease with the situation. Her hackles didn't raise, but her body remained tense. Another whiff of air confirmed that this wolf, a well fed female, belonged to a pack as well. Just great. Ever so slightly, she turned her head to the side, only so she might get a better look at this female, who had since whuffed out a soft greeting. The reply was not returned. Only a slight, wary narrowing of molten eyes. She looked her over. They were...startlingly similar. Close enough to be mistaken as twins, at first glance. As much as she would have liked to smile at this fact, Jynx was stuck too deep in a rut to care much. Finally, she responded with a simple "Can I help you?" Came her voice, hollow, if not slightly weary.