The Wildwood We Put the World on our Shoulders

"Feeling the world go against us"

She’d followed Aponi’s instructions closely after exiting the tunnels out into the Wildwood. Hugging the foothills as she went north, until the river blocked her path. Then she turned, following the curve of the left bank, first west and then north again, where the forest slowly started to thin around her. That’s when she noticed the change on the opposite bank, much more drastic than the clearing in front of her. Young trees dominated among thicker underbrush of quick-growing plants and large bushes, the last hints of white flowers still clinging to the bramble. But in between it all, she saw remnants of blackened tree stumps, burned branches still poking out of the fresh greenery in a few places. This was the sign her aunt had mentioned, marks of a fire that had rushed through these lands, some years back. So she looked for a place to cross the creek.

On the other side, it was easy enough to track down her target, following the most recent trails of wolf heading north, until she caught scent of the border. Here, she gave pause for a moment, wrinkling her brows at the markers. None of the perfumes were familiar to her, while it was a long time ago by now, she was pretty sure she would recognize Naira’s scent, but there was no trace of it here - not enough to jog her memory at least. The sepia wolf shrugged her shoulders, standing around speculating wasn’t gonna get her any answers now was it? There’s a much easier way, anyway! So she tilted back her head and send out a short howl, informing the wolves of Charred Ash Draw that a scout was at their borders.

Word Count: 285

Thoughts "Speech"

Khalliysgraphy @DA

Hiding his recent find of a piece of old deer where Suka, Lana, Cannon, and Lacey may find it, a stranger's howl caused him to start. Who on earth? It sure had been awhile since he had someone come a knocking. That voice. He had never heard it before, but he could not deny something about it was making him rack his brains. It had been awhile since he had met a young wolf, and a scout to boot. He had no idea what had sparked his brain. Still with his new wind, he eased down the dips of the Draw, ready to greet the young lady who had come for a visit. Maybe, he'd get some recollection on sight.

As the dark wolf closed in on the border, his tail half raised, on sight he didn't know who this girl was. She looked healthy, a bright pattern of coat. There was something he did recognize. Even from here he could tell she was of the Bend. He found relief washing over him. Aponi and Serach had to be all right if their scents mingled with hers. If they had sent her he hoped it was of good intent.

"Lo, there" he called, giving a sturdy wag of his tail. An actual smile managing to lift his dark features, as he halted not far off. "You are a ways from home."