February 1st; Near-midnight; Clear; 11 ° F, -12 ° C.
Coming home - truly coming home and feeling like he belonged - to Grizzly Hollow and returning to the warmth and woodland musk that was all @Veho, was more than Rook could have currently asked for. However, after months of wandering, searching and traveling had left his mental state in shambles. The peace and quiet and the sense of security that came with the ancient trees would need some getting used to again but for now, Rook would have to give in to his need to keep moving. Having gently kissed his partner's temple as he left the old herbal den, he struck out into the chilled winter night. His tingling paws wandered along in the places where Veho and the rest of the pack had traveled, their walkways winding through the trees until it dispersed into an open area - the Marsh.
His eyes immediately went to the place where his father, Borden, had been laid to rest, but it was not his company that Rook currently sought. Instead, he scanned the lands beyond the frozen expanse of wetland and continued on with a respectful nod to the old Lyall's tree. It had taken a few months to move past the initial grief the old patriarch's death had wrought on the family, but the worst of it had already been dealt with. What was most important in this very moment was to keep walking, keeping "inventory" of anything he came across just to put his mind at ease.
Reeds. Mud. Magpie. Ice. Grass. Crow. Owl. Rabbit... The list went on to even include the few traces lupine trails, the paths of those who chose to steer clear of Grizzly Hollow's woodlands or Relic Lore as a whole. It wasn't until he swept his nose a little lower that he believed he recognized one of the scents. Curiosity ablaze he lifted his head and stared wildly into the night, the last quarter moon doing its best to help light up the places he could find an Attaya... Only one thing was for certain and that was: it was Quil. Rook was sure had seen her off somewhere to the west or to the east, and not to the south or anywhere close to the Lagoon.
He figured he might as well take his chances; he was not so far away from home as to not receive help if he required it. Taking a few cautious steps forward and facing the forests on the opposite snow-covered shores, he released a beckoning bark...