It had not been long since their return from their meeting with their neighbors. Surely, it was only a matter of time before Askan returned, hopefully, with good news in tow. Jessie tried not to think too far into his return, not wanting to admit how desperate she was to hear about Oak Tree Bend. While she may have left so many months ago, part of her heart was still on the other side of the mountain. Nothing she could do would ever change that and she was sure that a part of Drestig knew that. Part of her wanted to go over the mountain to talk to them on her own, but she knew that considering what happened, it would be best for her to remain with the pack. After all, she was no longer a traveling diplomat, those times far behind her now.

She would also be lying to herself if she said that she had not been staying within the borders waiting for the news. As soon as Askan’s voice traveled throughout their lands Jessie was quick on her paws. On her way, she ran into Drestig. A small smile was directed his way but her mind was somewhere else. They moved together, Jessie picking up the pace as they neared, her heart beating frantically in her chest. Someone was with their subordinate. Emerald eyes fell on none other than Oak Tree Bend’s Sahalie. The woman was quick with a reaction, ”Sahalie! It’s good to see you.” The grey woman did a quick sweep of the area, hoping to see, or better yet scent, Triell. While she did not visibly show her disappointment, she could feel it within her heart. Had something happened?

Askan was quick with his departure, acknowledging Drestig. She would surely be present at their talk as well, wanting to know what had occurred on the other side of the mountain. For the meantime, the Bend’s only pup from last year would keep her attention. It had been too long since she had seen anyone from the Bend, but the fact that Sahalie was here and Triell was not stirred her deeply. The Tainn hoped that the man would have come, especially knowing where they were, but deep within she had to admit that as a leader, one could not always take the trips they wanted to take. Jessie dearly hoped that this was what kept him from visiting.

He hadn't closed an eye all night, the howling winds through the pines like a lullaby compared to the fears tumbling around his mind. How could things have gotten so bad? What had they done that deserved this? All I wanted was peace! Finally he'd given up on getting any sleep, leaving the den to hopefully let Jessie and the others get some rest. Patrolling the borders seemed a proper way of contending his worries, though if it came to blows, a mere line of scent would do little to protect them.

Sometime after sun rise, hunger had driven him back into the territory, to seek out a cache; At least those are reasonably stocked… Small victories. Now he was sitting in the shade of the tree line, dozing in the cozy warmth of his winter pelt. Or at least he had been, until a familiar voice woke him, causing a grimace to cross his face. Askan was back, which meant no more postponing of what had to be discussed. Or very little more at least, since the call mentioned visitors; From Oak Tree Bend?! A whole fresh knot of emotion churned in his stomach as he quickly got to his feet, shaking out his fur with a swift motion. Then he set off towards his second's call, and after a few steps he was joined by Jessie, the same nervous excitement radiating off of her. Her smile was returned before they continued, making their way through the snow at a hurried trot.

What they found once clearing the last hill send a thrill through the alpha, a bright smile spreading across his face; He couldn't have imagined a better guest. A laugh bubbled from his mouth as Sahalie called their names, her voice sweet music in his ears, and his eyes glowed down at her as she ran to them. Jessie was quickest to greet the girl though, and as she did, Drestig's gaze swept briefly to Askan, a curt nod given to the man as he retreated; "Rest. We'll talk later." Then he had no more mind for the lad, all his attention back on their visitor as he received his own, jubilant welcome. "Halie," He hummed warmly; "I've missed you so much!" His muzzle went to nuzzle her scruff, a new, happy chuckle falling from his lips. "I'm sure it has," He then answered, pulling back to meet her eyes; "You'll have to tell us all about it. Now come, let's go back to the woods, I want you to meet Percy!"

Word count: 425

Thoughts ”Speech”