His paws shifted, uncomfortably, as he watched her reaction. Just because she had chosen not to return to Hearthwood did not mean that she did not care about the river wolves, and her expression clearly reiterated the fact. A frown cut deep across his pale features as he avoided her golden gaze, his ears falling flat against his skull. He appreciated the condolences that dripped off her tongue and he smiled, weakly, to show his gratitude. “We’re moving forward—it’s what they would have wanted,” he responded softly as he returned his apple-green gaze to his russet companion. The ghost was determined to keep the river pack afloat regardless of the endless turmoil they seemed to experience.

At the question his smile deepened, expression growing warm. “They’re doing well,” he started with a soft wag of his tail, “Some of her children have wandered off to start their own adventures, while some remain in Hearthwood.” XIX was thankful for the Baranski’s that lingered, for Hearthwood would not be the same without them.

Now, it was time for him to ask her questions, for his curiosity was nearly burning a hole through his chest. “Where’s home now for Jynx?” The change in subject was desperately needed. Once upon a time they had been friends and while they no longer shared the same scent, he still cared about the russet wolf. His ears were perched high atop his crown as he waited, patiently, for a response, apple-green eyes focused on the girl.

“As do I,” he responded after a brief pause, his lips curling into a soft smile. Lachesis would like to see the Baranski children return to their mother, for he knew how much she needed them, but he was not hopeful. Despite Hearthwood being their birthplace, it did not mean that it was their home. As much as the pale medic wanted to keep them within river borders, he knew he could not restrain them. It had taken Lachesis and Anastasia a few tries before they found somewhere that was suited for them. After the dove’s brief return it appeared that it was still not the place for her, as she left shortly after. Lachesis, however, had never felt more at home. The river wolves had already fled from not one but two homes; he could not imagine living anywhere else.

His smile only widened as the russet agouti spoke once more, announcing that she had found another place to find home. “Good, I am happy for you Jynx,” he offered in return, his tail giving a soft wag. He would have liked to see her stay in Hearthwood but he understood why she had left the river behind. Just because it was a home for him did not mean it was a home for her.

As she began to speak a third time Lachesis almost spoke up in protest. But he remained quiet, his features growing soft as he gave a short nod of encouragement. Even as an adult his curiosity always got the better of him. 

As she began speaking the ghost remained tight-lipped, his chartreuse gaze never once wavering from her russet frame. His lips curled into a frown as she spoke of her injury—the reason behind her disappearance. He was impressed that she had managed to make it anywhere with a sprained ankle. The fog had not helped her disorientation, and instead of finding her way back to Hearthwood she had stumbled upon their former home in the south-west. At her mention of Rook Lyall discovering her XIX rolled his eyes in amusement: of course. The pack the river wolves had been fleeing from had found one of their members, wounded and vulnerable.

Still, he remained silent, allowing his former packmate to continue with her story. Jynx spoke of her brief time at the helm of Grizzly Hollow, causing his brows to shoot up in surprise. However, the river wolves had gone through the some leadership changes as well. Before Maksim’s death the ghost had stepped up numerous times when the agouti had not been able to lead. Even Lilya had stepped up for the Baranski widow during her absence. What surprised Lachesis was that the Hollow wolves had trusted a newcomer to lead while they were gone. Surely the russet agouti had left a good impression on them, or else Rook would not have allowed her to take his mate’s place—even if it was only temporary.

While he would have liked to see her return to Hearthwood after taking her leave Lachesis was not surprised at her decision to find a new home. The wolf standing before him was not the same wolf who had joined Cut Rock River all those months ago. She stood with purpose, radiating with a confidence that she had not possessed when he had known her. “I’m just glad to know that you’re okay,” he admitted once she finished her story, a smile finally rolling onto his dark lips, “and that you’re doing well in your new home. The Notch is lucky to have you.” And he meant every word.

“I did try to look for you… we were worried. But I am happy I did not find you, you seem much happier in your position now.” He was not at all bitter about her not returning to them. He had jumped packs several times, as well, so he could not judge her or be angry with her. Hearthwood was not meant for Jynx and it never would be. She was thriving in White Fir and that was all that mattered to Nineteen.

At least the russet wolf was not far from the woods the river wolves called home. She had found safety and security—that was all Lachesis wanted for her. It did not matter that it was not with Hearthwood. Not anymore. A small smile tugged at his lips as his auburn friend spoke. While their numbers had decreased since the dragon clan disappeared from the forest Lachesis was hopeful they would make a full recovery. The winter would be hard but they would manage, just as they always had. He did not fear for Hearthwood’s survival because it was what they did best.

Jynx had left before the one-eyed dragon tried taking Nineteen’s throne, and for that he was thankful. He did not want the rogue’s poor decisions to reflect on the rest of the river pack, for the wolves that remained were fiercely loyal and deserved to be remembered. “We are certainly trying,” he hummed in response, his ears sweeping to the side.

A frown tugged at his lips as she announced it was time for her to return to the Notch but he nodded, silently, in agreement. He, too, had been gone from the river for too long. The medic needed to bring the pumpkins back before darkness blanketed the land. Their conversation had gone on much longer than he had anticipated, but he was not disappointed. He was pleased to see that Jynx was in good health and had found herself a home in the Lore. The collection of more pumpkins could wait until the morning—perhaps he could even drag Inna along with him. “Of course,” he answered with a sharp nod. “If you, or the Notch, need anything Hearthwood is here for you. I hope to see you again, Jynx,” he added as he returned the bump to his ear with one to her shoulder, his tail swaying gently behind him. The ghost watched as she turned, the pumpkin tight between her teeth, as the forest gobbled her up. A sigh escaped him, filling the still air that engulfed him, calming him. He relished in the silence for a moment before picking up a fair-sized pumpkin and retreated to the river at his back. Exit.