Orange lit up the sky, setting trees dead and alive in a flameless fire. It was the start of another day, and she had every intention of climbing the mountain to reach the other side. The cedar forest called to her, but she had no want to see its emptiness again. Or catch scent of strangers who ran freely through her first home. No, she didn't want to fall from this high she was on. Lettie belonged to the other side of the mountain, and she needed to return. It wasn't a very good impression to not even be around. After speaking with Elettra she felt considerably better. A weight she carried lessened. In the end if things didn't work out she knew where her guardian and friend lived.

Humming to herself, a jump to her step she was contemplating how exactly she would get back to Oak Tree Bend. The Ghastly Woods was out of the question so she had followed the creek nearing the Sacred Grove. Kiche and her and taken some direction this way. There was a carefulness to her paws. Uninhabited it was, but she still didn't want to go there. So the pale wolf stuck to the small dip between the Wildwood and grove where the trees hadn't been totally scorched. The mountain sometimes showed its face, other times hiding as the trees grew thicker together. With a sense where she was, and where she wanted to go she wasn't worried about getting lost this time. Hopefully she could make it there before tomorrow night. Lettie wasn't anxious about it. No, instead she was certain, confident for a change that she would.

Climbing up the small hill, the silver base of the mountain proved she wasn't too far off. It was just then a sweet smell began tickling her nose, and made her stomach grumble. Pausing, yellow eyes sifted through the forest floor, over the bushes. What was that? It didn't quite smell like the blackberries or cherries she had come across. It smelled better, but where was the delightful smell coming from?

With a bemused smile, usual quirked brow she ambled forward, letting her nose try to decipher the puzzle. It only brought her to green, tiny leaved bushes that appeared empty. Frowning, she continued tracing along the crest of the hill thinking it was entirely something else. So first she didn't notice the small black bear who was perched down below, sitting in the same bushes, eating the small purple berries. When the bear got up, moving to another patch in the corner of her eye she caught his dark shadow and froze. He didn't see her, and found a new spot on the slope, plucking the bushes. Squinting, she watched curious and a little scared before it clicked. The berries were under the leaves, and must be a nice treat. Looking around she didn't notice anything else, and slowly titled her head sideways, nabbing one in her teeth. First it was bitter, but the longer it stayed on her tongue the sweeter it got. Feeling bold she attempted to grab more, trying to keep a glimpse of the bear.

In heaven with these treats, he had mind to eat all he could before burying himself down in the earth for a great sleep. The bear could care less about the wolf above him. He was far too lazy to want to chase her, and was in no mood to fight. The small thing couldn't possibly eat more berries than him, and he never liked how wolves nipped. If she would leave him, he would leave her. He continued to pluck away, for now not bothered. Bear and wolf ate together in this unusual way. Aware of each other, but enjoying the berries and keeping distance.

Lettie continued to squish them on her tongue, and ever a lady, wipe the juice from her lips. The bear continued to move further down to new patches, and she remained on the hill top.>The thoughts Elettra had given her wanted to tug at her mind, wanting to steal her attention, but she kept telling herself it didn't matter. It was all she ever hoped for to have El on her side, but the thought of living with her was painful. Every day only a walk from the Hollow.....

Instantly, she grabbed more berries. Sure, she was prompted to see Kade and Ava too, but in her heart she knew she wouldn't stay with them either. This wasn't news, but it was only more certain because of circumstances.

When joining Oak Tree Bend, seeing the faces of Fenru's little brothers, his sister, and mother she knew she couldn't leave them. It didn't make a lot of sense, she didn't know them exactly. They were just a family that had grown as hers. Leaving felt...wrong. Almost like when she had left the Hollow to its fate. Even the day she knew he was there all she could think was how she would manage to stay. Since Ice and Merlin had left, she didn't have a reason to go.

Lets face it, she was very unlikely to find where Borden and Jaysyek were. Lettie was growing fond of the woods, finally a home again. For now she knew she wasn't going any where. She told herself when Ice and Merlin returned she would deal with that problem when it came. Why worry now? Suddenly, guilt struck in her chest. She should head there this instant. She had already been gone a couple days, just muttering to Fenru she had gotten news from a friend about family and she would be back soon. Swallowing, she took a step back, turning when she spied the regal leader. Lettie had to look twice, because for that second she could have mistaken him for Mirren. The yearling did not have the age to his face. Suddenly, a smile marked on the contour of her muzzle in recognition. Ruiko.

Ruiko had likely changed in appearance, but it was not as drastic as Arlette. The stoic male appeared the same she had meant in the marsh, she did not resemble the small, white pup of the forest This occurred to her as he lingered, seeming to decide if his time was worth crossing the distance. He also seemed to notice the strange company she was keeping. Maybe, that was the reason for hesitation. Lettie waited, hopeful.

Then he did take the first steps, some how decided. The pale wolf continued to smile because she saw no threat even if he seemed mildly bemused. Under the circumstances, she hadn't seen him for a year or more and her eyes, possibly her gestures were the only physical thing to remind him who she was. "Yes, Arlette." The bear still seemed hungry not to bother, but she kept her voice at a soft tone. She couldn't remember if she had even told him her name or not. What did it matter?

Feeling if she might have purple over her mouth she swiped her jowls, and glanced down hill. Again, the bear ignored the two wolves. Likely, unaware there was another. A gentle twist of her tail, meekly her ears cast back, and she found herself trying to politely look at the large man. "Are you searching for Mirren, Swift River?" She couldn't help ask.

If anyone knew the timid female they would probably wonder why she wasn't as fearful in this large male's presence. It was likely because she had decided he wasn't one of the bad ones. He had found a young cub and guided her home. Since talking to Mirren, and being around Fenru's family how could they be wicked?

Triangle ears would pull back further in uncertainty. Was it so strange she should meet Mirren? Back was hesitation, the struggle to speak. "I..met him.. --On the other side of the mountain." The botched sentence came out, in rhythm with the swift blinks of her pale lashes. Looking upon the golden eyed wolf he was not angry..least she thought. "He was looking for Copper Rock Creek, I told him how to get over the mountain." That was where they had sadly parted ways. Lettie had not enough time to see if he had found his old home or not. Neither did she dare afraid he would be another reason she would want to stay over here.

Arlette knew how strange it must feel, getting here and the world you had known wasn't the same. She had lucked out running into Fenru before the River wolves had moved over. "They moved to the other side of the mountain. It's called Oak Tree Bend. I was making my way back there after talking to a friend." Sheepishly, she tucked her head. "I'm headed back that way, I couldn't quite resist trying these." The young lady motioned toward the berries, with a nervous wag of her tail. She didn't feel as the two year old she should. Swiftly she murmured,"I guess I miss this side too." With a sense of loyalty, and promise she had every intention of returning to her new pack. Knowing this place, it was hard to say good bye again. If she stayed here too long she would constantly be visiting the Hollow, wallowing in misery. Avoiding his gaze, she locked her pale eyes to the mountain. "Best way to cross the mountain is above the springs. Ice and Corinna settled west in a forest, at the base of these red hills. The forest is the easiest. It's quiet, and often a blue mist hangs," she tried not to ramble.

The pale wolf made an effort not to frown, but it was a poor effort and she did none the less. Other then his father she had never gotten mention of his family, it wasn't until now it dawned on her Mirren had siblings. "No, he was alone at the time." Maybe, that wasn't directly bad news, but she sensed it could be and hated to be its bearer. She still didn't know what had made them leave the lands, and what had happened to the family after. So far she hadn't heard stories that were not tragedies in some form or another.

Pale eyes upon him, she would try to decipher his stoic mask, but she failed to see much change in it by the news of Swift River. Still imagined it was hard to hear. Fenru had not known the cedar forest was unclaimed, when she had arrived he had told her Borden and Jaysyek had left and she had to piece herself back together. Maybe, he took it better knowing they were still around.

Lettie didn't say more, though she had little else to offer. Seeing him absorb it, mutter thanks, she offered a meek smile, and nod of her head. It was the least she could do. Least, she tried to convince herself she had helped. His family was still alive, still in the Lore. It took her a moment to reply. She understood he may want to find his sons before making the long journey over the mountain. "I'll be all right. They should know you're here, looking for them...." She had meant Mirren and Nios, and also Swift River. Holding in a breath, she eyed the bear, and then the large tawny wolf before her."I think I better start the trip now. I can least pass word you're back." There was pause, wondering if he wanted her to pass on different news.