Blacktail Deer Plateau the ghosts were howlin' in the late afternoon

you both write so lovely. <3

As his call faded away into the dawnlight and became replaced by the ambient din, Mordecai felt himself draw into waiting. More importantly, he fell into thinking as well. For as much as he desired to start without aid and venture into that hallowed land, he felt that it was unwise. Perhaps it was a fail-safe to save him from some horror of finding what he did not want to find, or perhaps it was simply because after that night there was little willpower to go it alone. He did not want to think of the thoughts that came, but processed them anyway. Processed the options, weighed the answers and decisions. Hoped for the best and prepared over and over for the worst.

Malachi was the first to emerge from the world around him, as though for a moment life's draw distance was at an all-time low. Mordecai offered him a weary smile of thanks, only to allow it to be interrupted by Lasher coming along as well. And Lasher proceeded onward past them without fanfare. Without consideration or desire to wait, Mordecai turned to follow him. He closed in the distance that was between them, choosing to bump his muzzle against the smoky flank of their beta male. His offer of support; he would not have to cross that charred line alone, or needn't carry the burden upon just his shoulders. If others came, there was little question that they could follow the swath soon to be cut across what had once been thick forest.