Lost Creek Hollow there is black coal filling up our homes

I am assuming it was @Harlyn that accepted Root and told her about the cougar, but I kept it vague to minimize confusion. Sorry it took me a couple of days, just excuse this rough post. <3

Whether or not Root has made the best decision when joining Lost Creek Hollow, finding a pack for the winter is the best way to ensure she would survive the next few months.  She never imagined she wouldn’t be apart of her birth pack.  Lingering on it wouldn’t do her any favors and wouldn’t benefit those she’s given herself to.  There’s a threat of a cougar on the outside and with winter coming heavy upon them, there isn’t exactly time to shop around. The first few days in the territory hadn’t been so bad, except for that pesky coyote.  It’s not enough to deter her. She’s just gotta make due with what she’s been handed and where she wants to aim her direction.  

Her direction is guided by the subconscious scent of another, one she hasn’t stumbled upon before.  She cants her head slightly, peering through the foliage to see the frozen water just up ahead and a rump with a mix of browns taking a drink of water from the ice, broken enough to fit his nose.

It crosses her mind to turn tail and go about her business but she lingers a few moments before she decides, taking a few steps forward.  She chuffs loud enough to make herself known, her paws no longer quiet on the ground beneath her.  With the threat of a cougar on their shoulders, and one of their own attacked—the other alpha, no less—and she doesn’t want to startle more than she has to.  Harlyn had given her the rundown upon acceptance but she knew little of the others when it would take time to get to know them.  They had to trust her just as much as she had to trust them else she’s blindly running around with hazard lights flashing.

One step at a time, Root.