Firestone Hot Springs Unaware of instincts

Sphyrapicus had lingered close to Redhawk Caldera for a while following the fight with the coywolf who'd stolen from her caches, but eventually decided to leave. It was better to leave the past behind, and now that she was strong again, she should get going. Eventually she planned to find a new pack — her own place, away from her family; this time, finally, she would be the one to leave them rather than the other way around — but for now, Sphyra enjoyed her freedom.

Even though the hot springs were not that far from Redhawk Caldera, Sphyra had never visited them before. The steam was fascinating; unlike anything she'd seen before. It wouldn't have dawned on Sphyra to get into the steaming water, honestly, if she hadn't already seen someone else lounge in there. The other — young, like herself — came into view through the mists, and what an entrance it was.

Sphyra approached, her body language tense and cautious, though confident. Greetings, she said, a little stiffly and more formal than she intended; her lack of experience with greeting other wolves on neutral grounds shone through.