Hushed Willows my own summer

The whole pack was on edge, and Mae had fallen fully into the role of guardian. It was easy enough. Natural, even. She was at the borders already when the call rang out, and went promptly to greet the visitor. This one, at least, had the sense to announce himself.

And he had brought a gift. Mae's typically-sharp gaze softened slightly to see it, though friendly still would have been too strong a word to describe her expression. She regarded him neutrally, tail moving slowly in a gesture of peace.

Don't think I've seen you around before, She said, sniffing at the air around him. He smelled of pack. None she knew. Name's Mae. This is Hearthwood. Her eyes flicked briefly to the deer leg and back up to the visitor, a dark-furred youth near to her own age. Hm. Mae waited patiently for his explanation.