Swiftcurrent Creek out there

It was still so hard to believe that his parents were gone. He'd always meant to be there in their final years, but the day had come sooner than he ever could have guessed. They'd still seemed so whole and hale the last time he'd seen them, but now Blue Ridge realized that'd been almost two years ago.

Journey had inherited. That was fine, and Blue Ridge thought she deserved it. Round Valley would live on under her command, providing a safe landing place for all the far-flung and wayward relatives.

And yet, he found himself standing at the borders of another pack. Blue Ridge didn't recognize any of the scents, here. He hadn't expected to, but at that moment, it filled him with a palpable sense of relief. It would feel good to be anonymous for a little while. Perhaps he could forget who he was himself. Perhaps it would help him let go of all the grief and regrets that currently filled him.

The male tipped his head back to give a hopeful howl, ready to turn tail and run if the members of this pack proved hostile. For the moment, however, he allowed himself to hope for succor.

@Akavir @Eshe @Arric tagging for visibility!