The waters had flung him far from the land he had ventured through, coming swiftly and at a speed he could not outrun. It was a miracle that he had not died in that flash flood, simply pushed down through the valley into a forest he did not recognize by the sea. But that was enough to ruin him. He knew that Neverwinter was close to the shore — he'd smelled the salt in the air when the wind blew from the northwest, but where, he could not place. Cold and disoriented and hungry a trek that was short (unbeknownst to him) stretched out to almost 16 days of wandering under a dark gray sky.

When he rested and ate and finally gotten his bearings, he strode through the water-swept forests and plains back to Neverwinter, familiar smells filling him like helium until he was practically bouncing with each step he took towards the borders. He could still smell his packmates' scents on the borders, though their guests' were fading. No matter. He tipped his head back and howled joyously, relieved to be back to his new home.

He smiled as he saw a familiar form hurtle towards him, and he prepared himself for the incoming tackle, too giddy to fight it. He allowed himself to be bowled over, laughing triumphantly as he felt Lenny against him. His tail thumped against the ground as he whined with glee. Rafiki yangu! Nimefurahi sana kukuona tena! He saw a mirror figure to Lenny — her sister. He grinned at her, happy to see someone familiar, someone that he considered a part of his new family.

A new voice joined the conversation. He looked up, his tail still wagging as he drank in Mal. There was a darkness over his face, it was hardened. His smile became sheepish.  There was...a flood? His tongue danced hesitantly around the unfamiliar word; Kiswahili lacked the sound. Gharika. Lots of water. As if there hadn't been enough during the rains. The water swept me away to the ocean. I was lost.

Hapana. he says. He leans against Lenny, grateful for her presence and warmth. It had been so easy to miss the presence of others, damp and cold as he had been the past few days. He nods to Mal. I will, though, he hadn't had a one-to-one with Aibreann before, despite being a member of Neverwinter for months now. It would be good to reconnect — not just with her, but with everyone in the pack. If anything, his absence only solidified the necessity of his connection.

I am glad for that, he chuckled dryly. He was sick of water in all of its shapes and forms. He'd drank enough to sustain him for the rest of his life, and perhaps twice over. What has happened since I was gone? he hopes for nothing bad, nothing worst than some minor flooding and soggy days.