It had been far too long. Zia's absence in Magnolia Glen was no accident, although she had dearly missed the comforts of her home. A week ago, she and Inkheart had informed Phineas and Borlla that they would be taking a trip over the mountain. Not just for a little sightseeing either. The silver female knew that prey had been growing increasingly scarce. It alarmed her. Normally, at this time of year, their options would be a little more plentiful. Sure, winter always presented a challenge when it came to finding a meal. But this...this wasn't normal. So she took matters into her own hands, opting to set out with her closest friend, and partner. She didn't know what they'd find on the other side of the mountain, if anything. It was in her eyes, better than sitting back and struggling. They'd never know what the conditions were if they did not investigate other possibilities. Zia felt guilty for leaving Magnolia Glen behind, without their guardians. She made a promise though, that she and the dark male would be away for no more than a week. True to her word, the Glen wolf did indeed return. Only this time, alone. Where there once was two, now there was just one.

As she marched over the border and back into the snow covered little valley, something was clearly amiss. Zia no longer carried herself so confidently, with that natural ease in her step she was renowned for. Instead, she moved slowly, as if in a daze. Her head was low, lined up with her spine, sapphire eyes downcast, her tail limp at her hindquarters. All had not gone according to plan. Far from it. Instead, it had gone terribly, terribly wrong. She shuddered, muscles quaking beneath her winter coat, a pained wince gliding over her face. Inkheart was gone...lost. She wasn't even sure if he was still alive. The ordeal of losing him had taken it's toll on her, both mentally and physically. Her normally sleek silver fur was now a ruffled, disheveled mess, patches of snow clinging to the fine hairs. She looked utterly and completely exhausted, the struggle to make it over the mountain having taken it's toll on her. She had barely made it back in time, as the rocky heights had grown slick with ice, inches upon inches of snow blocking many of the numerous pathways that led a wolf from one side to another.

Despite her fatigue, Zia was not yet ready to rest. As a wolf who upheld strict standards for herself, along with a rigorous training regimen, she would put responsibility before her personal needs first. Phineas and Borlla had to be notified, as painful as it might be for them to face the terrible news.Lingering by the outer rim of the territory, not far from the borders, Zia seated herself stiffly. Her body ached, her eyes were heavy with weariness. This nuisance was nothing compared to the emotional turmoil that gripped her being. With a deep sigh, her chest heaved as she stared at the snow, resigned. Winter had always been a favorite time of year for her, but now it was nothing but a bleak, empty eternity where time stood still. Raising her head, she parted her lips, calling for Phineas. Her voice was devoid of any emotion, hollow and empty, just as she was.

She could only wait in silence for her call to be answered. With the heavy snowfall, Magnolia Glen and all or Relic Lore was blanketed in snow, making travel difficult. Luckily, Zia was patient. Phineas was a reliable Alpha, never once failing to come forth when a wolf needed his aid. So she remained glued to her spot, empty sapphire eyes resting on the snow covered ground, or the barren, ice coated trees. She should be loving this season...not letting it weigh her down. It was only because of her bad luck, and the loss of a friend, that she felt this way. A wince flickered over her face. Why...why did this have to happen now, of all times?

How much time had passed since she summoned the ivory Alpha, she didn't know. It could've been minutes or even hours. When Phineas did appear at last, she failed to acknowledge him at first. All she could hear was the crunch of his paws upon snow, his familiar scent heavy in the chilled air. Head hanging low, eyes fixated towards the ground, she couldn't bring herself to look at him. She had known that he and the second had been good friends, often going patrolling or scouting neighboring territories together. So how would he react, seeing that his friend was no longer at her side? Even his scent was diminished, barely clinging to her pelt like a fine layer of snow, only to drift away in the wind.

Only when he had called out to her, did she dare glance upwards, keeping her head positioned between her shoulder blades. He didn't sound disappointed...just concerned. Flinching, Zia was startled by the kind, supportive graze of his nose over her charcoal tinted head. Instantly she relaxed, moving forward to rest her chin upon his shoulder in the gesture of a hug. Ears plastered against her skull, she fought for words. "Phineas...I'm so sorry..." She choked out, apologizing as if it were somehow her fault. "I tried...I couldn't save him. The snow...the mountain..." She couldn't go on, too distraught. Sure, going west to check out the abundance of prey carried it's risks. But she never had suspected that conditions would be so treacherous that they would lose a member. Or that the mountain had become impassable. Now, Zia was stricken with guilt, regretting having agreed to such a journey. But time healed all wounds...didn't it?