Mount Apikuni After the night when I wake up

thank u for starting - sorry for ME taking so long to respond!

at some point, astara became aware she was being followed.

she picked up a similarly paced lope as her pursuer, one ear cocked back as she made her way uphill.

through a thicket green with winterfern, astara passed -- and in the temporary aegis of visible cover, made a wide loop that doubled back through the trees.

should her pursuer, whoever he was, follow her scent, he would likely first delve into the weald where astara had obfuscated her tracks.

lying in wait, the blackbird watched with ears pricked and breath baited in quiet, stealthy rhythm.