Phantom Hollow Aedd Gynvael

The claims were scattered here and there along the flatlands. One group had marked their territory around the plains to the east. Another had formed their pack upon the plateau. There were others that existed further south, closer to the warm lands and red stone. Nazair had not traveled quite that far. He feared he might become spellbound by the warmth and the ways of the natives.

Curiosity had gotten the better of the young wolf. He had gazed out across the plains and had seen several mighty figures prowl across the stretch of rolling earth. They seemed an intense lot. The land they had claimed was tucked at the base of the mountain range. It seemed to be a good place for hunters.

Nazair continued to study the edges of Yellowstone, waiting to see if he might lure one of their members outside of the pack.

Fjall did not often venture toward this hollowed place. It was eerie in its quietness, even moreso now that he had spent a couple moons in the relentlessly noisy company of bison. Their constant shuffling and billowing and grunts - even when sleeping - had taken some getting used to, but these days he found himself pining whenever he was without the din of wolly bovine surrounding him.

He'd traveled beyond Yellowstone's claim this day to find a place he knew at the river where it was best to hunt otters. He was returning from the fishing expedition, long-bodied prize in tow, when he spotted the prowling stranger.

Pace slowing, he dropped his meal, gave his damp pelt a good shake and called out. I greet you, my friend! This is very near to Yellowstone's claim. Can we aid you in some way? Some in his pack may have not been so quick to offer, but Fjall (for better or worse) was an openhearted as they came.

cameo!

The herd had moved to the forest for protection- but it would not keep them from harm for long. While the bay mare healed, Fancy kept watch, roving out occasionally on her own as a stallion would do, to see if any predators roamed nearby. 

They did; she smelled two.

She snorted lightly and swished her tail before she ambled back toward the herd. She would tell @Selenia, so she could ready Silverbirch for more travel, before guiding the small band deeper into the woodlands and away from the wolves.

wolves! her eyes narrowed at fancy's revelation; she fetched her filly as soon as she was able, tucking the girl against her hip and encouraging cedar to her other side.

the mares and foal slid into the dappled shadows and were gone.

The sorrel had a wild look in her eyes when she returned, and Silverbirch began to move before she took the time to flare her nostrils and inhale the scent. Faint as it was, the scent of wolf fur lingered on the air- closer than it usually was. Ushered forth by her mother, Silverbirch stuck close to her dam's side, ears flicking and eyes widened as they moved further into the darkness.

Just curious, Nazair called out to the other wolf, waving his tail to dismiss any thoughts of foul play. He might have been a selfish young man but he knew better than to pick fights at the edge of another pack’s claim. My family lives that way, he gestured toward Raventhorpe with a swinging snout and his marigold gaze latched onto a herd of the strangest creatures he’d ever seen.

The young wolf blinked, baffled by the group of horses that had clopped their way into the nearby meadow. The animals looked wary, moving in a way to protect certain members of their group. Nazair found this too curious. The bold young wolf yipped out to them, testing them with his voice. They did not appear interested in the ways of the wolf, though.