Just when her pawpads had healed she was forced to walk away from something again. She still believed that she had been in the right, still felt that Wylla was just an irrational lunatic and, most importantly, still loved Ingram. But he hadn't come with her. Apparently you could trust friends more than the ones you loved, since only Arrille had come with her. Something smoldered deep inside of her chest, a feeling that was very foreign to her; a hatred for the coastal pack yet also a desire to proof she was better than a simple outcast. Oh, she would show them alright.

Following the shoreline to what she knew was the hinterlands, she passed a particular beautiful spot. She stared at the aqua blue of the shallow waters. Perhaps she wasn't a coastal wolf after all. Now that she thought about it, she had always been more comfortable in a forest. That was part of the reason she wouldn't settle on the coast again. With Arrille off for a while, she was left with her own thoughts as she simply stood there.

Chusi sighed, the cold of winter not near as cold as she felt right now. How many times had she spent with Ingram? How she missed his warmth and companionship... But don't ya dwell on i', Chusi. He didn't even wanna come with ya. The voice in her head was right. It was no use to keep thinking about him. For all she knew, they would never meet again. This realization made her feel even colder. At least she Arrille; he was a great friend, collar and trouble-making skills included.

When she looked to the side, her ocher eyes landed on a female. Coal with milky chocolate and tawny together with the white of the snow. She didn't seem much older than Chusi herself, and she smiled in her direction. Anythin' ta keep ya mind off tha boy - go say hi!

She turned and called cheerfully; Hiya there!

She was greeted with enthusiasm in return. Chusi was glad for that; a happy peppy conversation always kept her mind off of the terrible things that seemed to happen after each time something good happened. This was how she had made friends for life - or at least for a very long time before they were lost to fate or some other kind of power that drew them.

The long-legged female swayed her tail, returning the greeting. Nah - not by a long shat! She chipped. Grimnismal was far, Drageda even further. As far as Chusi knew, they were far away from any kind of pack that could chase them away. Fearghal - Chusi Fearghal - nice ta meet ya.

Kyera. She made a mental note to remember. So far, she had never ever forgotten a name, or a place for that matter. It seemed her strength lay with remembering stuff well and fighting kind of good. What a great list'o attributes, Chusi - why thank ya Chusi. She beamed a bright smile, a blush flushing her cheeks. It had been a while since her travels and meeting so many strangers to befriend, perhaps now it would all pay off as she tried to assemble her band for The Velingar.

Chusi chuckled. Not anymure. She shook her head. Buuuuht, mah friend and I are on our way ta tha hinterlands. While they hadn't discussed a specific place for them to settle down and rest their weary bodies, Chusi wanted a forest again. A bright, amazing forest - far better than any coast would ever be!

Chusi could relate to travelling alone a lot. She had done so for like 2 moons. It had been a life-changing trip all around Teekon, which was also why she was so familiair with the lands. There was the coast here, one row of mountains there and another one there, behind those were the hinterlands and in-between was sort of like the flatlands.

Ah - Tha hinterlands are a bit offa wet place, but real pritty. She assumed the girl was new here, which wasn't a problem. She lifted her paw and pointed somewhat awkwardly to the second row of mountains that were just visible from where they were, though they didn't trail all the way to the sea. They're just behind those mountains! Buht along tha coast is waayy easier than climbin' all tha way ovah. Her former bloodied paws could confirm that.

The Hinterlands had rivers aplenty, probably with lots of fish too. But a month of living off sea food hadn't put Chusi in the mood for any more slimy, wet foods. She wanted something sturdy and meaty, something with large bones she could lick off when Arrille and her had eaten the biggest part of it. But, 2 wolves probably wouldn't finish a deer or so all by themselves before the time came to travel again. 3 would definitely be preferred...

She slid in like a smooth criminal, her lashes fluttering as the wind blew in her eyes. How 'bout right now? Three is definitely bettah than just one.

Her pearly whites caught the filtered sunlight through the clouds as she grinned, her own floofy tail now waving as a flag in the air. She liked Kyera and she was sure @Arrille wouldn't mind two pretty females to walk between on their way to a new home. Perhaps she could play matchmaker for a change, though she hoped they wouldn't suffer the same fate as she had then.

Chusi looked at the sky. In an hour or so it would get dark and even colder. Perhaps it was better to resume their travels tomorrow. Tomorrow mornin'? She asked. If all went well, perhaps Arrille had already found a place for them to pile up so they wouldn't grow too cold.

Then that was settled. See? Chusi could still make friends. She could still like her now single life without any boys but Arrille and whoever else wanted to be her companion. She turned to sniff out where Arrille was and moved her head in a way that said "follow me".