Redtail Rise Ashes, ashes, we all fall down

While the soft speaking stranger kept to an easy pace for Reek to follow, he found himself unable to keep up with her chipper attitude. Bogged down by his own emotional baggage, Reek struggled to send a smile in her direction. It was a toothy, but broken thing. The happy mask he typically hid behind on recruitment runs was now far out of reach. Once the emotions he had worked so hard to suppress worked their way out of their box, there was no way to shove them back in. The other wolf's efforts, however, were greatly appreciated.

"Okay," he said hoarsely, bordering on a whisper. Following in tow and waiting for his distraction, Reek could already feel his emotional state begin to repair itself as they reached greener pastures. With the scarring left by the fire behind them, Reek let himself go on autopilot. Nose pressed to the ground, he searched for the warren's scent. Her softspoken introduction distracted Reek for a brief moment. Tearing away from his scent search, he looked up toward her and said "Reek," even softer than she.