Phoenix Maplewood You've got a big heart

their claim on the maplewood was still tenuous, but seeing as it was their default home after the fire, aditya felt more protective of the place than ever. still, it was difficult, converting the space into something more permanent for morningside. many were still recovering, he assumed, and it fell on him and the other healthy members of the pack to mark the borders more strongly.

evidently the borders were not yet strong enough, for a gust of wind brought the scent of strangers and the sound of voices to his ears as he patrolled. bristling slightly, he increased his pace to intercept them before they could go deeper into the forest, weaving through the narrow paths he'd come to know so well. they came into gradual sight through the brush--two of them, both young women.

aditya slowed and chuffed, chin lifted in cautious question as he came to a halt before them. they smelled like the mountains, but from a pack he did not know. his eyes flickered between the pair, unsure of whom to address. "what's your business here?" he inquired steadily, voice carefully treading the line between a greeting and a warning.