Lost Creek Hollow Maybe I could be a different human in a new place

@Ash Star @Silvertongue @Shadowpup !

Her proximity to Riverclan while visiting Swiftcurrent Creek was ultimately too great a temptation to be ignored. Mae still remembered the pretty yellow-eyed girl, Shadowpup. Enough time has passed that she wondered if the other girl remembered her at all — but she figured she would find out soon.

Mae brought a pale hare with her as she approached the border, calling out for Shadowpup and for whoever else might answer. She was unaware of the ways Riverclan had changed in her time away from the valley, though the suspicion began to nag at her in the form of a familiar scent along the borders. For a moment, she swore she almost heard Moss's voice again.

Ash had been taking care of those she could. Offering sustenance and care. Though she was largely suspicious of the she wolf Wren. She couldn't bear to take her from Silvertongue who had so little to care for in this world. But she watched the other she wolf carefully. She knew well what those wounds were from and a wolf that hurt herself was often mentally unstable and it irked her that she was hiding in their pack lands like a snake. But perhaps this woman would prove her wrong. She hoped for Silver's sake she did, because Ash Paw would give no quarter if that wolf hurt one of her pack.

She met the girl at the borders looking her over. She looked familiar. And stood like a stocky wolf. Who was she. She had to search her mind, quickly. The look of familiarity beginning to blossom in her eyes. Ah yes this was the girl that had nursed here when very young. Good lord, Ash Paw had nursed so many that were not her own.

You are Mae. Hello. What brings you to Riverclan on this glorious day. Then a small smile just for the girl, blue eyes alight with gentle kindness. 

Ash was petty and haughty and sometimes cruel, but she had a special place for the injured and the young in her heart. A heart that she had never given, except to the young and the injured.

Mae didn't recognize the wolf who greeted her, but she wasn't surprised to be recognized, either. She didn't quite remember her time here, but knew it had happened in the way of vague recollections of childhood events. Yep. Mae. Just here to say hi, She lifted the hare and tossed it toward the woman. Brought this for ya.

Is Shadowpup around? She wondered next, peering past the woman. It might have been polite to ask after her name, or perhaps how she was doing these days, but Mae had never been much for niceties. Straight to the point; that was how she preferred things.

Ash hadn't expected to be recognized, but she would have liked a little more manners. But the girl reminded her so much of her father just then, it was funny. Akavir was to the point and blunt, as were most of the Swiftcurrent wolves actually. Well so be it.

Ash Paw dipped her muzzle. Thank you for the gift. I am unsure where she is, but I can call for her or escort you into the packlands to see her?

No problem, Mae was still glancing beyond the woman, keeping a keen eye out for Shadowpup. At the offer, however, her gaze found the multicolored wolf again. Yeah, that'd be great, thanks! We can go find her. Maybe she didn't hear me or somethin'.

Shadowpup was the first friend she'd ever made, as far as Mae was concerned. She wasn't even sure who else she might call a friend. It had been awhile since they'd last seen each other, though. Suppose Shadowpup had forgotten her?

Ash shook her head, a small amused smile on her face. This way then.

She would search all the places that @Shadowpup now could be. Anxious to find her for the girl who had come such a way to see her. Though she was a bit demanding and kind of unkind, she hoped that someone her adopted daughters own age would help her.

Shadowpaw had been hunting by the falls and had not heard the call above the rushing water. She searched for mice or vole, but it seemed the cold day kept the small prey huddled in their nests.

Fearing she would disappoint her mentor, Silvertongue, Shadowpaw followed the river’s banks towards a grassy glen where she hoped for better luck.

It was then she spotted her mother accompanying a dark wolf through the territory. The adolescent, now seven months old, trotted towards the duo. The teenager was eager to improve herself in any way possible, including her diplomatic skills.

“Who’s this?” she demanded in an over-the-top authoritative way. Tone! she reminded herself, thinking of Sandulf’s lesson. “Um, I mean…” she tried again, “who….”

Then, a lightbulb went off. “Mae?!” Shadowpaw barely recognized the older girl! She had grown so much since the last time they had seen one another. Plus, new scars criss-crossed her pelt. Sadowpaw had never left Riverclan territory in her life, while Mae seemed to live a life full of adventure.

It didn't take long to locate Shadowpup, though Mae was disappointed to find that the girl did not remember her. At least, not at first. Her ears pulled forward when the girl finally called out her name, and her tail swayed tentatively.

Yeah, it's me, She shot a glance at the woman who'd brought her to Shadowpup. Thanks. Just as quickly her eyes found her friend again — were they still friends? — and she thought to add: Whatcha been up to? Anything fun? Certainly the girl had grown since their last meeting, but so had Mae. She wondered if Shadowpup's life here was any less chaotic than her own at Swiftcurrent Creek.

Ash glared at her daughters tone and made a soft tsk under her breath. But Shadow had changed it. With ehich she was rewarded with a small smile.

Shadowpaw, please see Mar to the borders after your visit.

Then she'd dip her head to Mae and nudge her daughters shoulder. As she walked further into the pack lands.

last from me

So sorry I left you hanging @Mae! Hope you don’t mind if I wrap and archive this.

Shadowpaw’s visage brightened in a rare change of expression. Mae was the only wolf she could call a friend, despite the fact the other girl dipped in and out of her life. This, Shadowpaw felt, was a normal thing… wasn’t it?

“I can’t wait to tell you everything…” Shadowpaw said. Then, when Ash Star left, she began to recite every detail of her naming ceremony and dreams with Starclan.