The further he went from Hearthwood the lighter his steps felt, and the weight that had made a home between his shoulder blades began to slip away. After the death of his friend Lachesis had done everything in his power to ensure that the river pack survived, for he did not want to be the reason for its demise. The pack had dwindled multiple times, for they had a habit of accepting wolves with itchy paws, but they continued to snap back and preserver. Having five unexpected puppies the previous spring had helped their numbers, as the cubs seemed to attract members to them, but it had also been a struggle. But they managed, just as they always did.

It was after Kisla’s untimely death that things had begun to grow sour. With her death they had lost not one but two wolves, as Lekalta had disappeared for months after luring the cougar away. Tension grew between the pack, for all the members were grieving in their own way as they struggled to accept the fate of their matriarch. But they pulled through that, too.

Unfortunately, things did not go back to normal. Instead they seemed to grow worse.

Despite all that had happened it pained him to leave Inna behind, but he was worried she would bring her demons to Driftwood and poison their surroundings once more. He wanted to trust her, more than anything, for he had been in her life since birth but he couldn’t. And Lachesis was beginning to wonder if that would ever change... even if she did attempt to earn that trust back. When she had approached him about taking Oksana with them he complied, for the child had never wronged the pack. Part of him worried that she would end up like her mother, but he hoped that the distance between them would help Oksana become her own wolf as he felt as though Inna suffocated her.

Travelling with five energetic (and curious) cubs had prolonged their adventure west but Lachesis didn’t mind. It gave him a chance to say goodbye to the towering cedars he had called home for many moons. At least now they were closer to the comforting shores of Turtleback. A soft smile cracked across his pale features at the thought.

He had gone ahead of the group to scout the forest that engulfed Driftwood, for he wanted to ensure that there was no strays lurking about. XIX did not worry about the others being able to find him, as they would be able to track his scent and they were in the company of three wolves who had visited the river prior to the move. Even Riseala, who was due back from her adventure to the golden fields of Wild Rye, was shown the Surge to ensure she was happy with the new river. He hoped this move would help her and her brother the most, as the Kingswood held nothing but painful memories for the orphaned siblings.

The sound of rushing water greeted him as the ground began to shift from snow covered grass to snow covered stone. His pace quickened, along with his heart beat, as he headed for the cliff. It was the perfect place for the river wolves to meet, as it would give them the best view of their new home. He hoped they would be happy—it was all he wanted for his pack; his family.

Once he reached the cliff Lachesis paused, his chartreuse gaze sweeping over the rushing glacier water below. His smile widened, his features softening as his tail arched high over his back. Home. He turned toward the trees he had just exited from, his tail swaying in silent excitement as he waited for the rest to catch up. Without hesitation he tossed his chin to the grey sky, a song tumbling off his tongue.

This place was theirs now; a fresh start for the weary pack.

Welcome home!