The sudden arrival of rain was welcome. XIX was bred for the cold and preferred cooler temperatures, even with his thinner summer coat. Rain was also extremely beneficial for the plants he adored and tended to. Since they had claimed Heartwood as their new home, Lachesis had begun to toss around the idea of creating his own garden within the pack boundaries. With the river nearby, the land was lush and the soil suitable for growth – he just needed to start collecting seeds and start planting. He realized, though, as the heat increased over the passing days that his garden might have to wait until the fall, or at least until the temperature decreased – he did not want to waste precious seeds.

As the ground splashed beneath his paws, the healer decided to patrol the new borders. He had been so busy focusing on rebuilding his infirmary and ensuring that Karina was continuing on her training (despite her time spent with Kjors increasing) that he had not been given much time to explore their new home. Nineteen was curious as to how both Bastet and Anastasia were adapting to the new lands, as he had not seen much of them since their arrival. Aside from his King and Queen, their new litter, and his fellow healers, he had not seen much of the other pack members. A frown creased his maw at the thought, but he continued forward. Although he was a loyal pack member and would do anything (even die) for the pack, XIX would always prefer to be on his own when he could.

Pausing, the healer’s nostrils flared as brows narrowed instantly; there was a loner nearby. It was the scent that reached him first, which was immediately followed by a howl – was someone seeking acceptance? Not wanting to wait for Maksim, the ghost lurched forward into a sprint, his long legs carrying him quickly over the terrain as he closed the distance between himself and the loner.

It did not take long – soon the young loner came into sight, looking similar to a drowned rat. “Can I help you, boy?” He asked curiously, his voice soft as he examined the young loner. Despite his words being brash and to the point, XIX was not trying to be rude. He was not fond of small talk and preferred to get right to business; if was acceptance the boy wanted, he could get Maksim. Otherwise, he wanted to know why such a young loner had found its way to Hearthwood.