Overture Downs It's Foregone

No worries!

Together, they followed the trail north into the Jade Fern Grove. Tracking proved to be a sufficient distraction from Reek's emotional ills, and he swept them away as his attention was occupied with the trail of hoof-prints in the snow before him. His sadness no longer troubled him; his demeanor had become one of business.  

Initially, they traveled in silence, which wasnt much of a problem as Reek didn't particularly feel like speaking. Somehere in the mess, he had lost his talkative nature that curiously complemented his old optimistic outlook.  But, as they walked, Moredecai posed a question that Reek had previously given much thought when he initially passed through the grove. What happened? "I have no idea," he responded.  It was a question that Reek had no easy answer to, but he could assume multiple outcomes. Disease, disaster, divorce... any of these things could have pushed the Grove too far.

"Whatever it was, I hope it doesn't affect either of our packs.  Did you know them?" he asked, recalling his own pack's close relationship with the grove. Apparently, it hadn't been close enough since they left without a word.