Jade Fern Grove up the creek without a poodle

@Ocra

Djinn had entered the Teekon Wilds from the north, through the Bracken Woods. He decided to travel southward, avoiding the packlands he had smelled along the way. The young wolf-dog want ready to join a pack just yet and – let's be real – maybe he never would be. He knew to be alone in the winter was dangerous and would likely mean his death. But being chased off because he was half dog had left a bitter taste in the young canine’s mouth.

Granted, it didn't make him any better for leaving his mother and sisters, but Djinn was beginning to feel the urge to find a place of his own. His hormones were starting to kick in and the wolf-dog wanted to find a female, maybe two, that he could have relations with. That's what he felt, but who knew if it would ever happen. Other wolves might be just as unaccepting of him as his family's former pack. Still, he had to try.

He found himself in a grove now. The scent of evergreen filled the air, but a few other scents wafted into the young wolf-dog's nostrils. The smell of wolf was one of them. Djinn debated between leaving the grove or following the scent. It smelled inviting enough, and what good would continuously running away so him? He had to overcome his fear of rejection sooner or later. This encounter could easily determine his future.

Djinn carefully followed the scent of the wolf, slowly learning that it was a she-wolf he smelled. That explained the pleasant odor… The scent became stronger and the wolf-dog soon spotted the tawny she-wolf through the trees. She was standing still beneath a small clearing where the cloudy sky was able to let more light through.

Djinn bit his lip, hesitating. But gathering his courage, he said, “Hello.”