Pack beginnings had caused Destin to stay close to the Secret Falls and pack den, making sure that predators were not invading the most important space of them all. The area was a huge one if you patrolled it every day, and the subordinate tried to stay close to home. Over time his trips took him further out, enticed by a particularly interesting-looking forest and also to inspect the borders for any stray loners or members of other packs. It was there that his paws led him today, deep into its depths to marvel at the fire-y orange plants that covered the ground more than anything else. It was quite a sight to behold, and the forest allowed privacy for one who just wanted to enjoy it and to dream of Cedarwood Forests once more. It was a bittersweet feeling ever since they left, at least for Destin. Kade had said that the trees and leaves and everything about it were damaged beyond repair, and that they must move on. The large male agreed, and knew that this territory was better. But there was something so comforting about those tall cedar trees that just was not present in Darkwater Rapids territory. Maybe, just maybe, this forest could provide a good substitute.

The birds were still singing here, a melody of peace and prosperity. Destin's mind went to those of other packs; how were they doing? What happened to Swift River after one of their own was taken? Had they disbanded like the cedar wolves had? Where were Borden and Jaysyek? Were their children okay? So many questions without answers swirled through his mind, and soon enough the large male began to become overwhelmed. Someday some of these could be answered. If Jaysyek returned to them, at least for a visit, it would give Destin enough time to truly articulate his thanks in a way that he could not think of right now. Maybe then it might fall into place exactly when he needed to. If it did not, meeting her again would be good enough for him, only to catch up and make sure everything was alright. That thought was able to push his queries away for at least another day until they returned in full force.

Soon his mind went back to his encounter with Maksim. In all honesty Destin was unsure of how he felt about his pack member, the one he was now apparently submissive to. He just thought and walked and walked, swallowed up by the foliage with each step he took, not knowing where he was going but, for now, that was enough.

"speech"

His gaze now turned to appreciate his surroundings instead of blindly following a random path, lost in thought. The ferns were like a sea of fire, undulating in any light wind that might manage to worm its way around trunks and under branches. Leaning downwards to smell them, as one fern in particular tickled his nose, he felt a prickle on the back of his neck. It was like someone was there, watching, looking at him, but when he turned all he could see were the ferns and trees that went on into the distance. Now uncomfortable, he walked forwards, brushing up against a tree. Maybe this wasn't the best idea....He was about to turn and go back to pack territory when he jumped at the sound of another voice. Raising his head quickly, his eyes alarmed and confused, he searched for the source. The wolf standing there was not one he had expected, but one he had hoped to meet again for a while now. Sibyl.


It had been a while since the two had last seen each other for sure. The last was on their journey, and the time before that was when Sibyl had thought she killed a wolf named Kiche. The McBain recalled her frightened form, one that had recoiled from almost everything and spoke with a stuttering voice filled with fear. This time she looked better- healthier, and her eyes had a life-filled glow that filled him her happiness to know that yes, she was okay. "Sibyl!" Destin greeted brightly, his tail wagging as he abandoned his trail and bounded through the ferns. They brushed up against him and pulled on his fur, but he just powered through until he was face to face with the smaller female. Sibyl asked him if he was looking for anything. He thought long and hard. "Well, no... Just thinking," he offered, meeting her golden gaze with his own. If he said he was looking for answers or protection that would sound so silly, so the McBain kept it to himself.


"So how have you been, Sibyl?" he then added on, wondering what events had taken place in her life since they had last spoken. Was she happy with Darkwater Rapids? Did the transition go well for her? Did she miss Jaysyek and Borden as much as Destin did? The large male was aware that Sibyl looked up to Jaysyek more than anything, so it must have been really hard for her to cope with the loss.

"speech"