Meadowlark Prairie Long journey home

Although the black bear was rarely worried for her safety when she met packs or other loners, there was something about seeing a pair of wolves alone in the wilds that had always unnerved her. One might be swayed to her side, or fought off if not. Packs, she could run from — they rarely cared to truly give chase. But a pair of loners, often, had no use for her friendship. She could fight them, but only at a disadvantage. She could run, but there was no territory to guard to tie them down.

And if they were hungry, she might be considered fair game.

She watched these two from a distance, wondering if she ought to turn tail and slink away. But she did not want to leave a trail back to her den until she'd discerned the temperaments of these wolves. Perhaps they were only travelers, or perhaps it was time for Easy to abandon Cedar Den for safer, more isolated climes.

Easy lingered nearby, offering a low chuff of greeting.