Hoshor Plains I never met someone like you

It was only when morning came that Pala was faced with the reality of her situation. She was traveling, with two pups, to a destination she had never been to for a pack whom she had only met a single member of. But then again, there was nowhere else to go.

Settling in the shade of a lone tree she decided it was time for a well earned break. She had been travelling since the night with one pup held in her jaws and the other over her back, interchangeably. They were far more mobile now, but not so much that Pala could let them walk themselves. They would simply never keep up.

Giving each son a lick to the tops of their heads, she looked out upon the flatlands, to the mountains she had come from, and then the mountain she was to walk towards. Once she would have been there by sunrise, but her cargo was too precious to risk this time.

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Kirain and @Lestan had only recently entered the flatlands, a vast, unfamiliar expanse brimming with possibility. Though their main objective was to find Wake, she couldn’t suppress the curiosity bubbling within her. Every new place was an opportunity, an invitation to explore the world in all its wonder.

They had been traveling westward through the night, pausing only for necessities, or, in Kirain’s case, the enticing prospect of chamomile. She was so engrossed in her search for the delicate white flowers that she failed to notice the presence of others or even the growing distance between her and her companion.

Nose to the ground, she wove through the tall grass, keenly sniffing for the herb’s familiar scent. A soft hum escaped her as she worked, her tail swaying idly behind her, lost in the quiet delight of the task.

In her gaze over the territories exapanse the sight of a tail weaving above the grass instinctively pulled a growl from her throat. She fixed her eyes to the movement, body growing tense.

As muscles moved for Pala to stand she felt the sting of a cut on her shoulder; large and scabbing, a souvenir from Chaudry. There were more, yes, but this one she was sure would scar. Pup's squirming around her legs and barking up at her, she hoped that if this stranger planned to bite it would not be quite so hard.

A growl cut through the air, freezing Kirain mid-step. Her ears perked as she lifted her head, silver eyes scanning the surroundings in search of the source. Then, her gaze landed on the she-wolf.

Instantly, her face lit up with a grin. Her tail wagged eagerly as she called out, Hello! Isn’t it a lovely day? Any sense of caution melted away in her excitement. Without hesitation, she trotted toward Pala, eager to greet what she hoped would be a new friend.

Did this woman have no common sense?

Stay back. Was her immediate response, eyes narrowing into a glare. It did seem to Pala that she meant well, but with her children so young she simply could not take risks. If this stranger wanted to speak, it would be from a distance.

Eyes fixed on pale fur, she leaned her head down to nudge her puppies behind her.

The sharp words cut through the air, halting Kirain several paces away. Her gray eyes widened in surprise at the sudden harshness. Only then did she notice the she-wolf was not alone. Tiny yips and restless squirms at the mother’s feet drew her attention, and understanding quickly dawned. The sensitivity of the moment sank in like a stone.

Oh! I— forgive me. I didn’t realize... Kirain stumbled over her words, retreating several steps and casting a genuinely apologetic look toward the mother. She hadn’t intended to threaten or make her uncomfortable. Once again, her eagerness had gotten the better of her.

It had been an honest mistake. Pala let out a sigh, her raised hairs settling. It's alright. I understand, travel makes you eager for company.

She eyes the woman for a moment, silent. Where have you come from? She was struggling to pinpoint it herself from the scent alone, likely because of her own lack of exploration when it came to the Teekons.

Originally? I'm from the far north. More recently, I settled in a valley beyond the mountains. I've just arrived here in the flatlands, Kirain said brightly, her voice full of cheer. It's quite lovely, so open and free! I much prefer it to the mountains, that's for certain. She chatted away happily, encouraged by the way the mother seemed to relax.

What about you? Are you familiar with these lands? Her tone stayed light and friendly, gently nudging the conversation forward. Maybe this she-wolf would even know where she could find some herbs!

No. She responded rather bluntly. I'm only passing through, I need to reach a friend in the west.

Glancing to her children, they seemed to have settled. I've come from the mountains as well. I'm afraid that open lands like this have never been my preference. She had always been in and surrounded by mountains. She found them to be secure, for just as easily as a predator could stalk through them unseen, the prey could flee and hide.

Still not fully registering the mother’s clear discomfort, Kirain nodded thoughtfully. That’s understandable. I’ve always preferred the taigas, the cold and snow have always felt like home, she said, her tail wagging with quiet enthusiasm. How far west are you headed? All on your own? That must be exhausting, and stressful, too. Her ears tilted slightly with concern. Is there anything I can do to help?

Her offer was sincere, driven by a heartfelt desire to assist. The thought of traveling alone with pups struck her deeply, and a wave of sympathy rose within her. She couldn’t imagine how difficult that must be.