The Sentinels Through the dark

For @Lakhos

The blinding blanket of white did little to deter Tzila from striking out, away from Yuelong. Her desire to escape, to visit the mainland was still strong. There was a growing sense of restlessness within her. Of growing conflict. Astaroth had been gone for far too long, and she was starting to wonder if he would ever return. She had considered once or twice turning to Hua to try and express herself, but hesitated each time. The only thing keeping her somewhat rooted was her son. But he too was growing older, more independent.

Giving her pelt a shake, dismantling the layer of white flakes that clung to it, she headed west, to pay a second visit to Umbra and her forming pack. There was something about the black woman she liked, and with the weather  deteriorating by the day, she wanted to check on how Yuelong's allies to be were faring. But when she arrived near the bay where they had set up camp, Tzila was met with the unexpected. Their borders were no more...their scent wiped away.

Frowning, she pressed on, further and further. Squinting her eyes to try and see mere inches in front of her, she recognized the vague outline of scattered trees. Some still standing, many long since fallen. Approaching a cliffs edge, she failed to notice the mark where several rocks had been displaced prior. Down below the icy ocean crashed against stone, pushing bitter gusts of sea spray and snow against her exposed face. Far too wise to even consider searching for a route down in this weather, she went to turn away. But a splotch of color...of red, caught her eye. Muzzle crinkling thoughtfully, she locked onto the shape, barely resembling a wolf in it's twisted shape. Umbra...or what remained of her. That black fur with silver tints was unmistakable. Stone faced, she heaved a sigh, knowing that it was time to return home with yet more news for Hua.