With the temperature constantly rising and summer hitting them full force, Nash was growing concerned about the water. Now that he knew for sure both the Chasm and the Backwater were out of water, he felt obligated to do something to help but didn't know what he could do - short of inviting both packs up to stay with them. He couldn't do that, especially without Oksana or Al's blessing. He wasn't sure the lake could support that many wolves anyway, and the new litters couldn't make the arduous journey up the pass.
He hated feeling so helpless. The guardian had to remind himself it was his job to protect the Cove, not everyone else, regardless of friendly terms. Neither pack had officially asked for help, anyway.
Today's patrols had carried Nash beyond their borders and along the shrinking shoreline. Still he'd found no sign of a new outlet, nor a blockage further up the mountain. The heat was the only thing that could explain the water's loss - especially if it was affecting other areas within the Lore. Speaking of the heat, Nash decided to wade into the lake until his belly fur grew wet. His dark coat captured the sunlight in an almost debilitating way and the water's cool touch eased his discomfort.
As he bent to drink, a dark shape darted around beside him. Nash looked up in surprise. It was far too large to be a fish, and he hadn't held still long enough for one to feel comfortable approaching him, he thought. A moment later a fuzzy brown head poked up a few tail-lengths away, chattering at him.
"Hello," he said to the otter, amused by it's curious tilt of the head. "What are you up to?"
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