She had hobbled this far from the Orchards, confident that she would be able to find easy meals along the way, and possibly a human camp. In an attempt to avoid any unwanted contact, the trip had been slow, only allowing herself to travel under the cover of night. It upset her greatly that she had been reduced to this. There was a time in her life when felt strong, invincible, like life was hers for the taking. Now it was as if she were just scraping by, hoping to make it another day. Why she kept going was a question she asked herself often, and it was one she couldn't answer. Was she waiting for something? Did fate have another plan for her? Only time would tell, and until then she would just have to wait it out.

The scent of fresh water poured into her nose, and her her stomach growled. Adrenaline pumped through her veins and she moved closer to the spring. The water was clear enough for her to see the sand swirling just below the surface, and she knew that this would be a prime spot to fish. Once upon a time the tawny female had been excellent at the sport, but it had been so long since then. Instinct took over though, and she waded into the cool water. Her weight was much more manageable and her leg was able to touch the bottom without too much trouble. Her heart soared as she began feeling a little more like herself. Veronika held her head high as she stood in the way she used to. Maybe she could still catch a fish.

Dusty eyes searched the area below her feet as they awaited the familiar wriggling of creatures just under the surface. She didn't move a muscle except for the even rise and fall of her chest from breathing. The wait felt like a life time, but finally various water-dwellers began making their way closer to her, and in turn closer to their demise. She knew she only had once chance unless she wanted to wait here until they began to trust her again. Silently she watched as they weaved in and out of her grasp, swimming through her legs and darting away. It wasn't until she sighted one large enough to make a meal out of that she tensed up ready for the plunge. The fish unknowingly worked it's way right under her, causing her body to react of it's own accord. First a dark head dove into the water, while jaws opened wide enough to catch her prey. Before the fish even knew it he was already up and out of the water thrashing violently in the air. Sharp canines clamped down on it, feeling as it went limp in her mouth. Satisfied she made her way to the shore, intending on eating her meal quickly then catching another.

Almost finished with her meal, a scent drifted into her nostrils. Once again she assumed her usual stance letting her paw hang close to the ground. Any wolf who looked closely could probably tell that the way she stood seemed awkward, but most didn't pay enough attention to her. The encounter was strange as the wolf who passed her barely even acknowledged her presence. Taken aback she watched his retreating form as he tried his own hand at fishing. The male seemed about as nervous as she felt, but that was alright. At least they were both in the same boat. Her voice was light as she spoke to him, "Do you need help?". Veronika couldn't even remember the last time those words had left her mouth. No, these days she was the one in need of help.