Phoenix Maplewood got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home

He was pretty out of it, but not so much that he didn't notice the approaching stranger. She looked like a friendly storm cloud, with fluffy fur of grays and blacks and sparkling eyes set in a dark face. Shale was absolutely sure he'd never seen this wolf before in his life, and his confusion grew as she started to cuddle up to him without a word.

"Uh, hello," he said awkwardly, not pulling away but not exactly reciprocating her cuddles, either. He looked down at her, eyes perplexed. She smelled of Morningside, but not as strongly--so a newcomer. She also smelled of Pema, which displeased him.

Maybe she was a spy. Or a test of his loyalty? Shale shook the thought out of his head. He was going crazy.

"Don't think we've met," Shale remarked, giving a small shrug of his shoulders in bemused acceptance. Might as well get formalities out of the way. "I'm Shale, Grayday's brother. And you are. . .?"