Sun Mote Copse If the world was ending you'd come over, right?

Asa's own youth had gone by quickly due to the many rituals of his natal pack. Every month felt like a party, and there were coming-of-age stages that were celebrated, or tasks to do, or spiritual journeys - none of which fit in to this wilderness exactly, not that he would know. Had he been aware of Bronco's thoughts he might have placated him with stories of his own youth; quick though it had felt, Asa had a few tales he could have shared. It was just as well that things remained suitably paced between them. The man was busy keeping himself on the clear path and so he did not see the shifting emotions playing out upon the boy's face, and listened intently to each tidbit that was shared.

Hm, landslide sounds dangerous... Asa quipped at the opportune moment, somewhat under his breath so as not to dissuade the boy from continuing. It sounded like the boy's pack was situated in the perfect spot. Nobody could breach the barrier to the east (the mountains) and few would feel confident in crossing the north swamp unless they liked being bogged down with mud, or colder than a witch's tit. An easily defensible area was the best option.

Then the inevitable question: You just travelling through, or...? Which prompted a smirk first, and a drawled answer second.

Sort of. I'm hunting for someone, although I have a feeling I'm not destined to find them. He did not want to get in to the heart-shattering details of his dead sister and all that jazz, but he could at least pass the time with some conversation and the boy appeared eager enough to listen. It seemed only right to offer up something as compensation for the escort. My baby sister got sick, see, and our mother only trusts this one person to care for her, but the guy travels a lot. He used to tell stories about these Wilds when we were little and I figured this would be the best place to look.

He wasn't lying, but he wasn't telling the whole truth either. It was easier this way, Asa mused. He did not want to freak the kid out with the whole nasty truth.