Nocturne Summit avaritia

Hydra continued to pick her way along, nose drifting over and under rock and stone, root and abandoned bone—which, she noted, had been picked clean to the marrow—and there was nothing yet to show for it. The evidence pointed to Isilme having left of her own volition; it caused her heart to harden, only for her to undo this. If such was the case the girl was worse than her mother; at least Andraste had spoken with her of her leave! Still Hydra hoped to find her in case she was wrong. It was easier to think the contrary; easier to react with anger than sadness or even worry. 

In case she was wrong, Hydra did not abandon her own duty to the cub as her present provider. She searched as best she could, frustrated that this would transpire at all. It interferred with time she longed to spend with her own cubs that Alya and Lyra, at least, were able to this eve. Hydra spent more than enough time with them, but she ever wanted more. But at least this journey was twofold; food and child both were searched for. 

As she moved, she had that strange, niggling sense that she was being watched; Hydra did not pause as she continued ahead, though did look around, eyes seeking more than just a meal and the cub, now. Her gaze drifted upward, but had yet to land upon Nor; if the other wished to retreat to the shadows, there was time yet.