Whitefish River So We Meet Again

The mind of the young was so curious, so willing to learn and soak up knowledge like a sponge. If only they remained that way through adulthood, to keep that willingness to learn as opposed to believing they knew it all due to their advanced age. It was one thing Hieronymous hopped to hold onto even as he aged, the joy of discovery and learning - something he hopped was still rather obvious even now as an adult. At least, he hoped it's how he came off as. Someone has to keep the boogeyman at bay. He hushed, cheekily planting the idea of some spooky being out there that he was guarding them against. That was far better to believe in, some being called the boogeyman than reality. Either a familiar beast lurking to hurt an unsuspecting youth. It wasn't something he wanted them to know just yet, if he could help it, they wouldn't know to be wary of other wolves until closer to adulthood.

Speaking of the boogeyman though... he frowned at her description of the smell. It sounded like how anyone would describe the scent of a feline. He needed a nose.. but not this one. Not this one who would be an easy target should the feline ambush them. Does it smell fresh to you, or old? One more question, his ears were on a swivel, careful to try and pick out any sounds approaching... any minute sign that they weren't alone. He remained close to Malila, careful to guard her against all angles and that there would be no easy spot for a creature to come bounding out and snatch her up. Keeping his cool, he didn't want the child to panic either.

He had to be sure the smell was not as fresh as can be... if it was, they were already stuck. Even if he sent her out to find help, if the feline was lurking nearby, it would simply put her more at risk. First things first, he had to hear from her nose and then the next course of action.