The open lands around Heartleaf Creek had been a blessing after all this trudging through the woods, and Gale was not at all happy at the prospect of heading back into the trees. But these Willows were his only lead, and just a feeble on at that, yet he was willing to grasp at even the tiniest straws by now. So on he went, into the shadow of the low hanging branches. At least this forest was a lot more open than the previous, reminiscent of his homeland pines, except that the spindly tree-limbs were naked in the winter cold, allowing slivers of sunlight to slip through to the snow below. All around, frost clung to the tips of the slimmest twigs, glittering in the marigold rays of light.

It was kind of pretty. Nothing against the shining Fields of gold, glowing hazily in his young memory; But quite pretty..! He could certainly a much bigger appeal in living here, as opposed to the denser woods, even if there was no place like home. Continuing southeast, he felt the ground growing uneven beneath the snow, a sign that he was nearing the mountains once again. And not long after, he noticed the scent of pack on the winds, slowing his movements as he carefully sniffed for the borders, the last thing he wanted was to trespass. Only once he felt reasonably sure that the marked line was no more than a leap or two ahead, did he raise his head to call for the pack leaders, or anyone else who mich be able to answer his questions.

Word count: 267

He was surprised by how quick the Willow wolves were to answer, a sentry appearing almost as soon as he lowered his muzzle. The agouti female was about his size, but considerably less lanky, so probably 2 years older at least, and her posture was clearly possessive over her borders. That, and the rather stiff introduction, was enough to fluster the young boy, his ears folding nervously as he rushed to answer: “Ga-uh… Griffin Avalon, that’s me. I’m from uhm… W-wild Rye Fields… Up north?” His tail twitched anxiously at his hocks, eyes seeking the woman’s pale blues questioningly, before quickly darting away, tongue running along his dry lips. Unlike at the Draw, these wolves weren’t close friends of his parents, but tentative allies, and he wanted to make a good impression.

Just then, another wolf appeared, this one obviously the same age as him; Slightly smaller and with a dusty black coat. Gale smiled timidly at her, encouraged by the more relaxed demeanor. His tail gave a more decisive wag; “Hey. Y’ can call me Gale. I… Guess the caravan is as good as anythin’” Glancing back to the adult wolf, he cleared his throat, trying to emulate her formal tone: “I’m looking for my sister. She’s gone missing and we were hoping someone down here might have seen her.” Looking back and forth between the two, he tried not to put his hopes up. It was a long shot after all; But maybe… He swallowed. It would be awfully nice to see Silva again, and get her back home.

Word count: 261

He nodded at the agouti woman, Leoite’s kind gesture, mouth too dry for any words to pass through, even if he could have thought of some. Adeltra just gave a quiet nod at his introduction, but her expression was friendly, and he wagged his tail back, smile growing a little steadier. When the next question fell, he couldn’t stay quiet though, eyes widening in surprise; “Y-Yeah… They’re m-m’ parents.” His voice shook a little, but he tilted his head slightly, looking more curiously up at the blue-eyed lady. “You know them?” He asked, not sure whether to feel good or bad about that prospect - his mom hadn’t mentioned knowing anyone in the Willows, only Charred Ash Draw.

But then the questions turned to his sister, and Gale’s heart sank. Surely, if they had seen or heard of her, they would have known straight away, not needing any more information; Unless there’s a whole lot of lost pups running around here..! He swallowed, trying to remain optimistic, but his smile had faded. Still he did his best to answer: “Well she’s… She’s taller than me, an’ all black’n’white. Got these kinda’ spots on her face. And her name is Sphinx,” He paused, breathing deeply, then added, more quietly: “Or uh… Silva, dad calls her that sometimes…” Eyes strayed from one face to the other, hoping to see just the slightest bit of recognition. Then he suddenly noticed the third wolf, who had appeared while he spoke and now stood silently behind the others. His nervousness returned, ears flicking sideways and tail dipping. “S-sorry,” he stammered hurriedly, bowing his head towards the silver-white shewolf; “I-I’m Gale ‘m… Here looking for m’ sister.” Perhaps this one knew something; Anything, please!

Word count: 288