The Heartwood is to see the sky

"Only a few more days," Rannoch promised as he looked at Terance. The group was making excellent time, and Rannoch didn't foresee them diverting much from the route that he had proposed. 

The snow had tapered off recently, allowing the worn travelers some relief from the precipitation. Rannoch fell silent for a moment, letting his paw steps upon the fresh blanket of snow to be his only contribution to the conversation. 

"I'm not sure if any of my pack remains at the Vale," he said after a considerable pause, speaking on the thoughts that he considered in his silence. "But, I guess we'll see." Would they even want to settle in the Vale? After all, despite the protection it provided, Rannoch had found the upkeep of the territory to be difficult; it was too much real estate for the number of wolves in his pack. 

"I'd be down to scout the neighboring territories," he mentioned.