Grouse Thicket And winter came...

Liffey hadn't really had a chance to speak to Wraen after they'd run into each other. Not to spoilers anything, but once the hunt had finished, she'd excused herself rather quickly. She still wasn't sure what that awkwardness had been between them, but ever since, she'd been evaluating and re-evaluating what had happened between them at Sunspire. Had she done something wrong? Had she said something cruel and not known it? Her memory had yielded her nothing that would explain the strangeness of their reunion, and so she had eventually decided to just push it from her mind. Dwelling on it only upset her, so it was best to just move on.

Of course, life had a funny way of saying lol nice try! for no sooner had she made that determination than did their paths cross again. Liffey had actually been seeking her mate, hoping to surprise him with some alone time away from the territory. She'd followed his scent trail to the thicket, assuming he'd likely come this way to hunt. But instead of finding Rannoch, she found Wraen.

Liffey considered leaving without saying a word. Wraen hadn't seen her yet, so there was still time. But, if she were being honest with herself, her old friend's coldness had bothered her and no amount of pretending would change that truth. So, the alpha changed her path and moved into the clearing to join her with a small smile and a quiet, "Hey."