It had been strange to traverse the mountain, slide down its slopes, and slip into the arms of the blue misted wood. Back into his familiar coat, back to life. His head had still been a buzz, and his heart swift. This was where he needed to be. Holding onto what was, instead of thinking what could be. His life wasn't anything perfect, but he wouldn't trade it for something else he didn't know would even work in turn. It was better this way, he told himself. Time was making it seem much more like a dream any way. The thoughts of his trip to the grove slipped to the back of his mind.
The scent of the oak trees, and dampness of earth crept into his nostrils. The Tainn breathed in deeper, finding it cleared his mind, and eased his nerves. Home, he was reminded. With new focus he checked along the invisible boundaries, adding his scent where it lacked. He usually didn't mind help and a follower or two on an evening patrol,but he was doing this one solo. There was a few other things on his mind.
The season was almost over and with it he saw a chance to finally visit with their allies, Fallen Tree Cove. To actually get to know them, and build their alliance on something more than words. When it came down to it he wanted to have reason and trust to their agreement. Friendship. He was curious how their winter had treated them since compared to others it had been rather mild. And yet a lot had changed since he had last talked to the tawny leader just for the Bend.
A final look over his shoulder he wandered away from the scent of the Bend, deeper into the woods where it appeared no one else had come and gone. There were a few other things bothering him. Things he couldn't decide how he should feel about.