Emberwood Caught in a landslide of emotions.

The hollow wasn't anywhere near as protected as the cave he had discovered within his former claim,  but it would do for now; it at least offered them shelter and protection at night while they slept, or rather, while Lainie slept. He felt safer within the woods and as part of a pack again, but he still hadn't gotten comfortable with everyone. After so long with his own pack made predominantly of his own family, it was quite a change to try and get used to trusting strangers, especially around his daughter. But, Ibis seemed trustworthy so far, and so he was taking a risk here and praying he wouldn't later regret it; that seemed to be the theme of his life lately. 

Lainie had wanted to explore, and with strict orders to stay withing in calling distance of the thicket, he had given her permission to do so. Until he felt more comfortable here, he couldn't give her more freedom than that. He had also left the thicket shortly after the sound of her steps could no longer be heard and followed her trail until he was sure that she was keeping to her promise to stay close and that she wasn't getting into trouble. Then, he had turned back around and headed back to their safe spot, deciding that she had earned some time on her own to explore without him constantly in her business despite the fear that lingered in the back of his mind; that fear never left, though, he was just bad about acting on it sometimes. 

As he neared the hollow, he picked up the fresh scent of Ibis. He thought maybe she had just been here recently on a patrol or something, but then he heard her call out, and he quickened his steps, worry creasing his brow as he finally arrived. Ibis? he responded anxiously as he moved from the trees. Is everything okay? His mind raced with all the possible reasons she might seek him out. His normal was worried, so his mind automatically jumped to the worst conclusions.