Lost Creek Hollow this youth is stolen by broken bones

Midday found the world cast in shades of grey and brown, but he found a certain vividness in it. Though it was far from the greening landscape he would have preferred to see for his children's sake, Mordecai knew it would not be far behind. Or at least that was the thought that ended up derailing itself, interrupted by a crisp howl that rolled through the bare canopy. He had been headed out towards the borders to do a late sweep but this expedited such; he responded with a low call of his own as he headed off.

When he happened upon Root along the borders, he found himself not at all surprised that she had found someone lingering there. With the depths of winter having hit their proverbial peak, the cold would only serve to draw more to their doorstep in search of shelter among other things. As his approach slowed, he surveyed the wolf she had with her curiously. Given the last few that had come along their borders, Mordecai had not been overly impressed. He found himself inclined to resign to that already, prompted by even moreso now by the introduction of puppies.

Wordlessly he came to halt near them, his solitary gaze shifting from the recruited to the recruiter. He didn't find words to ask what was going on, his posture spoke of it and he knew Root would deliver. She had pulled her weight for the most part since Harlyn had taken her in, so perhaps that same insight to contribute would aid them in further bolstering their numbers.