This was the fourth day that Slavik had awoken surrounded by a plethora of aromas, the pleasant scents of the meadow. He’d taken his time here to rejuvenate, to prepare for his return to the road. He’d originally planned to spend only a day or two in the meadow, but that third day he found himself so enamored by the beautiful landscape and the comfortability of his makeshift nest, that he couldn’t bring himself to go. He’d spent all day yesterday relaxing and hunting rabbits, and assuming today he would leave. With a yawn however, and a quick glance at the meadow beyond, Slavik decided that one more day couldn’t hurt.

He rose reluctantly, summoned to his feel by the rumbles of his stomach. He looked to  the pile of fur and bones from yesterday, just to see if there was anything there he could possibly salvage. He kicked it lightly with one paw, and there was nothing there but the rattling of small rabbit bones against each other. He sighed, then shook out his fur and stretched. 

He wandered through the meadow in search of a fresh rabbit scent, but instead found a wolf scent. Curiously he began to follow it, his nose parting the tall grass as he walked. It didn’t take long before Slavik came upon a grayish brown female, and after a moment of watch her he chuffed to get her attention. He carried himself easily, for he knew he was on the large side and so he didn’t want to seem imposing.

Slavik had noticed the rabbit in her maw, but he certainly wasn't one to try and take it or anything. He watched as she slipped it down to her feet, a place she could easily defend should she need. She was cautious it seemed, and he half expected her to answer his chuff coolly or with suspicion. What he go was nothing of the sort, an almost flirty hello that took Slavik off guard. He paused before speaking, looking at her friendly posture.

Hey, I'm Slavik. You? He asked in a friendly tone and with a charming smile, for he couldn't resist being a little flirty, especially when he wasn't the one to initiate it.

Laurel from Bearclaw Valley, a pack he assumed by the way she smelled of one. What about you? she asked, and Slavik let out a sigh. Well his chosen title was traveler, but at the moment he wasn’t feeling much like one. He’d lazed about here in this valley for a four days now, when he should’ve been exploring. It was partially because he was tired, but also because this meadow was like his island of the lotus eaters. It’s comfortability and ample amenities made him feel warm and invited, and it was becoming more and more difficult to leave. But he was going to, he was gonna pick his lazy ass up and keep exploring because he was going to enjoy this adventure for as long as he could. Walk till you drop! he would make his mantra.

Currently, I’m an tenant of this meadow. But I’m planning on getting back on the move soon. I’m just a traveler, he said with a soft smile.

Well, Slavik had a home, but they weren't open to him anymore. His sister convinced him to leave, and once they left they weren't allowed back. That was why Slavik was a traveler. He had his regrets, especially at first, and then when his sister had totally flaked on him, but for the most part he was glad he'd left. This adventure had been one for the books. Laurel explained that she was once a traveler too, from a young age too. He wondered why, but she moved on before he thought of the right way to ask.

She mentioned her pack again, Bearclaw Valley, if he wanted to break. Over his adventure he'd been tempted many times to join packs, this was one of those moments where he almost gave in. He resisted though, as he'd also learned many other things from this adventure. Wraen's words, choose wisely, rung clear in his head. I appreciate the offer, but I think I'm gonna keep cruising for a while longer. What's Bearclaw Valley like though? he  asked, just because he was curious.

A pack of travelers, settling for the winter, much like Slavik would be doing. The description she gave of the territory though sounded a bit confining. Though Slavik would find a pack for the winter, he was still very keen on his freedom. One exit, only one way to make a daring escape. He obviously wouldn't say that though, he didn't want to come off as rude especially to someone he'd just met. Sounds like a pretty safe place, he said with a hum.

His eyes briefly drifted to the rabbit at Laurel's feet, and a question bubbled up to his lips, Are you just out hunting then? He was a hunter himself, and always liked to hear from others like him.

The response Slavik received to his question wasn’t exactly fulfilling but he realized that maybe she just wasn’t as talkative and open as he. Upon him commenting on the animal she moved protectively over it again, and Slavik felt bad that she didn’t trust him enough yet to know he wasn’t going to try anything. He was overly trusting, he often forgot that others were not. He instinctively dipped his head a little, and spoke, I was just wondering, I’m a hunter so I like to hear from others like me.

He could feel their conversation having come to an end, she likely wanted to get her kill home and he understood that. He stood back straight and gave her a smile, I won’t keep you anymore, nice meeting you Laurel, he said.