Phoenix Maplewood heavy as a feather when you hit the dirt

Most of Ukko’s time is spent on the borders, keeping watch for intruders or wind of the cougar, and to avoid Reek.  Mostly to avoid Reek, actually.  It’s worked so far, anyway, but he knows he can’t go on like this.  He can’t remain on the outskirts, waiting for a time to strike or a time to leave.  There’s a balance Ukko doesn’t care to play and he knows he needs to figure it out, sooner rather than later.  If he dedicates more of his life to the pack, he needs to commit and accept Reek as the leader—which leaves a sour taste in his mouth—or leave them behind—which also does the same.  The tastes he can’t even decipher.

There’s a distraction quickly, turning to see the salt and pepper wolf bounding for him.  He doesn’t begin to stand until she’s close, forcing himself to all four legs and shaking out his fur.  The dark wolf reaches out and bumps her snout with a weak smile.  His usual chipper self is gone and replaced by a wolf Tavi doesn’t know.