Phoenix Maplewood the healing of nations

Having secured a small meal days prior, an unlucky goose who thought it wise to pick around for the remaining locust carcasses, Reek's strength returned in droves. The apathetic haze that had been the last few days faded away with this renewed energy, however, a momentary ceasefire in the hungry war in the pit of Reek's stomach did little to raise his spirits. Though he was no longer trapped beneath the cover of his cave: bound by his disinclination to move -- Reek was trapped in the darkest annals of his mind. His guilt -- it tore at him until he felt rubbed raw.

It was this lingering shadow of guilt that told Reek to stay away from the maplewood. Each time he returned to his former claim, it only brought him heartbreak and strife. He tried to seperate himself from the sentimentality of it all by telling himself he was only returning to see if the hunting grounds within the spawning forest (which were once prosperous) still harbored enough prey to provide for the rest of the wolves of the grotto. If anything remained, he would claim it for them.

As Reek cut a swath thought his former home, his question regarding prey was answered. The wood was ultimately barren— nothing remained that harkened back to its former glory. In Reek's heart of hearts, he felt defeated.

With the bounty of his search coming up barren, Reek felt it wise to return to grotto, but the scent of a strange wolf (neither Dragon or local) caught Reek's attention. Perhaps she was searching for the same thing, he thought. Too bad she would only turn up empty handed just as he. Strangely, it was curiosity that guided Reek forward, away from the grotto and toward the stranger.