Jade Fern Grove he's got looks that books take pages to tell

Together they walked. Sriracha kept his nose low, seeking even the stalest of wolf-scent. He looked not only for existing shelters, but places where a den could be made. As he walked, he listened to Xan talk about himself (for once!) It was a surprise to hear him open up. Sounds pretty, he said, then realized that maybe that wouldn't appeal. Uh... pretty cool. Yeah.

Nothing could have made Sriracha happier than Xan's interest in his language. Si! he grinned, tail wagging like tomorrow wasn't a thing. That was your first word. It means yes.

There was no missing the myriad of scents Xan's coat carried, many of them wolf-scents. To Sriracha, this meant that Xan was from a pack, though why he would have left to follow Sriracha was a mystery. So therein was his first question. Why are you not with your pack? he asked pointedly. I mean, I'm assuming you've got one. You seem like you do. And I mean, I don't care. But I thought I ought to ask.