Duck Lake h

Perhaps the idea was a foolish one, inspired by an ancient restlessness; a calling that spoke to a part of him buried deep within, something of nature’s creation. But even knowing this, the man did not stop to reconsider what he was doing as he ventured from Easthollow’s claim. His paws itched to feel various terrains beneath them once more, and his soul longed to reconnect with the world beyond his home. And whilst he knew the cold weather months to be of ill choice when travelling, Kove continued onward until his paws found purchase on the rich soil surrounding the lake—he remembered this place, a distant memory now...

...but a fondness for the sight flooded his heart all the same, gaze lingering on the water before him.

Shadowing the thoughts of his grandfather, Sela also wasn’t sure what he was doing as he silently followed some distance behind the older man. He had caught sight of the elder as he ventured slowly from the territory. His gut churned painfully as he remembered hearing of the Ursus wolves. They wouldn’t dare attack Kove though...would they? Biting his lips in thought the boy eventually decided the best course of action was to follow his family member and ensure his safety to the best of his abilities (despite how meager those abilities may be). Even if he knew there would be hell to pay with his father later.

With the decision made, Sela practiced his stealth skills. Following at a distance, and ensuring he remained down wind. The boy wasn’t sure if he had been caught in his pursuit or not, but he waited with baited breath for some kind of a response to his presence as they came upon a lake.

The meadow they had walked through was soggy and wet from the autumn rain, and Sela’s paws were caked in mud, but he hardly noticed. Instead his gaze was fixed on the glistening lake and his grandfather’s far away look.

ending here

For how long his gaze remained distant, he would never be able to answer. But when finally he returned to his senses, the elder gave a slow shake of his head and turned away from the water—and then he spied the child, a sight that startled him at first. How long had his grandson been there...? He did not know, nor did he think it to matter much right at that moment. Slowly, he made his way over to the boy, to whom he offered an affectionate nudge, should it be accepted.

Uneasy now that he knew the boy was away from home, Kove encouraged the child to walk along with him—and, should he follow, the Inuk would lead him back home, telling of northern lore as they went.