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Lorcan felt a sense freedom being so high up in the mountains. The weather might have been harsh and the terrain tiring and treacherous but there atop the snow covered peaks, without a single soul in sight, the male finally had space to breathe. Whilst the steep and winding rocky trails had proved hard on his weak aching limbs, they were a blessing for his mind. Travelling alone, with only his own thoughts for company, the male had found ample time to process and mull over recent events.

Ending his relationship with @Inna and leaving Hearthwood River behind for good had been difficult for him, even if he was now convinced that it was ultimately for the better. He could not deny that his heart still ached for her though, and even more so for their daughter who had been caught in the middle of it all. Lorcan doubted that he would ever rid his heart of the guilt that plagued it as a result of leaving @Oksana behind.

The scent of sulphur in the air broke through his thoughts and caused his nostrils to flare at the burning sensation which suddenly erupted in his throat and lungs. Blinking slowly, his tired golden eyes focused on the plumes of steam which rose up from two large vibrant blue springs. Slowing his pace to a more cautious lope, Lorcan’s thin rugged figure blended well against the areas of dried, dying vegetation which still clung on to life around the edges of the two pools.

Lorcan knew better than to move too close to the hot springs. The last time he had encountered one in the northern lowlands Anaia had scalded her paw, which had resulted in her baring a painful limp for weeks. In his exhausted, emaciated state Lorcan was not prepared to risk such an injury.

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It was hard to see through the thick white steam which filled the air and chocked his lungs. It made the agouti male all the more cautious as he slowly advanced his way towards the two boiling pools of water, with the intent to step his way around them and continue his journey southward. It was fortunate that he had been taking it at such a slow pace though, for if he had been moving much faster his encounter with the other wolf would have surely been more painful.

Lorcan grunted, out of surprise more than anything, after narrowly avoiding a collision with the girl. Russet ears pressed back against his head and his tail flicked awkwardly behind him as he halted to a sudden stop and turned his head to catch the sunshine yellow gaze of the young stranger.

If it wasn’t for the burning sulphur making his eyes water and the clouds of steam, he might have recognised her.

“I’ve just come from that way…” He turned and pointed with his muzzle in the northern direction he had just arrived from. “…along the mountain, if that’s any help?” Lorcan explained, his voice dry and croaky, not helped by the burning in his throat.

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She asked if he’d seen a lake on his travels and almost immediately his golden eyes lit up. “Yes, I did actually.” He croaked with enthusiasm, his russet ears perking up and his tail lifting higher to sway excitedly behind him. “Last night I stopped by a large lake north-east of here, between the two mountain ridges.” Lorcan informed her with a polite smile.

The agouti male tilted his head curiously to one side as she mentioned Fallen Tree Cove. Pale brows furrowed, disappointed that he could not be of more help to the young female. “Never heard of it, I’m afraid.” He admitted, tail falling limp by his legs. He gave a sniff, fighting back the urge to sneeze. “The lake is only half a day’s journey from here though, if you’d like to check it out?” Lorcan said with a tone of optimism.

“I would offer to escort you, but I’m actually on the way to find a place myself…” The male hinted, hoping that the girl would be willing to return him with the same kindness he had offered her.

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Lorcan did not take any offense when the younger girl declined any help from him, which was good considering he hadn’t really wanted to lead her back to the lake anyway. It would only add time to his journey and, quite frankly, the male was growing tired and impatient. He had pushed his body to the limits making it this far and now he was starting to feel the consequences. He needed to keep pushing onwards, before his body refused him.

He gave the agouti female a small nod and faint smile in acknowledgement.

Fortunately for her the lake wasn’t too far away and fortunately for him she had caught on to his hint. Lorcan’s russet ears perked up as she asked him where he was trying to get to and his tail began to sway hopefully behind him. “I’m looking to find either the Willow Pack or a lagoon somewhere around here. Do you know where one or both of them are?” He asked, head cocking slightly to one side as his golden eyes peered at her through the eye-watering steam.

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Lorcan’s ears fell flat against his head.

Well that was disappointing. For a moment there he had really thought that the girl was about to tell him everything and save him a whole bunch of trouble searching. Alas, it was not to be. The male would have to continue his random wandering in the hope that he would happen to stumble across either of the locations on his travels.

But wait. It seemed the sandy wolf did have some information to offer. Lorcan’s ear pricked upwards and a hopeful light returned to his golden eyes.

…They ain’t up north, and they ain’t east of the mountain, neither.

His head tipped to one side as he thought her words over before answering with an optimistic smile. “Well I know they can’t be south of here, so I guess I should search more to the west.” He said, turning his head then to look across over the western side of the mountain, his paws itching to get moving again.

“You’ve been a great help, thank you.” He said genuinely, as he began to move a few steps away to continue his journey.“I should get going now, find somewhere to settle before it gets too dark to travel. Oh, good luck with finding Fallen Tree Cove.” He added with a smile.

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