Phoenix Maplewood Shadows

Reek returned to the maplewood from his most recent travels with a cheerful bounce to his step. The never ending rain and gloomy weather that followed him back did not dampen his spirits in the same way it did his pelt. It was proving to be a wet season— which eventually meant snow, and snow meant difficulties,  but Reek wasn't thinking that far ahead.  Once again, he was ingrained in the here and now.  The harsh realities of an approaching winter couldn't bring down his high spirits.  He knew the wolves of the maplewood would push through and thrive.

His duties resumed immediately. Patrol, caring for Sart (who had become more self-sufficient with each passing day), and planning a healer's outing with Scarlett had taken priority in his mind. After making sure the coy pup daughter type thing was fed and well, Reek set out toward the border with his head full of plans.  He wasn't much of a teacher, but he figured the more thought and effort he put forth toward planning his lessons, the better he would do.  

He smiled as he walked. Visions of different plants and their varied effects danced in his head. He saw chervil, alum, grouseberries, and more as he weaved through trees on the fringes of his home. The first lesson would need to come fast; before the first frost set in.  

In the distance, there was movement. The gentle rise and fall of breath. It was so subtle, and Reek nearly didn't catch the sight of her against the backdrop of fallen leaves.  He marched through the damp with his tail erect. No longer did he take chances on the borders, and this wolf was one he didn't recognize outright. She was so sad, so limp. Disheveled and different. The gears of recognition did not turn. This was not the Wynter he had known and even as he closed the gap between them, the puzzle peaces had yet to fall into place.

His smile faltered as his eyes fell on the wound that festered on her hip. "You're injured," he stated flatly, still ignorant of her identity. Standing above her and looking down, he let his body posture drop into a less threatening stance.