Herbalists' Cache You always had to love yourself, is this what you wanted

Once they had escaped the clacking teeth of the wolves on the mountain, Nicodem had broken free of his partner and scouted south. The terrain shifted from territory to territory. In the distance, the young shadow could see the imposing cut of the mountain range. There were likely packs, nestled into the safe stones and vales that were protected by the rocky natural border.

As Nicodem sought the cache for shade, he did not realize that another worked nearby. When the shifting winds drew the scent of the stranger toward the shadow, he paused and stood stiff among the brush and undergrowth. The dark of his coat was concealed by the shade.

The other wolf gathered herbs. Nico wondered if he would open to sharing. A doleful expression took hold on his young face. The dark figure limped into view of the other wolf. From his lips fell a pitiful whine, as though he begged for assistance from any who might lend their aid.