Nova Peak what’s yours is mine.

it is time to go. qiao shook @Stormchaser awake, moving around the encampment loudly enough that @Lilitu would be awoken too. she measured the gradually growing light against the distant peak as she collected her wares. 

the sun rose slowly behind them as they traveled. eventually they came to the borders, where the scents holding this place together thinned out to wisps. qiao studied them silently for some time before making up her mind. she threw back her head and howled for the stragglers left — but she had impression they were advancing into a ghost town. 

the dead woman’s scent was all but faded. the male’s scent was hardly any stronger. qiao saw a footpath and consulted her nose; they would follow the freshest scent available. 

eventually, the footpath joined with another and the scents here were strongest. it was blood, not odor, that drew qiao’s eye. he’s wounded. she murmured to her company, placing the to-lang behind a large rock. by her estimation they were close. 

the dried blood droplets led uphill to a dugout. here, qiao could hear the squeaks of young pups. she looked to each member of her party, gaze somber as she advanced towards the den. do not let him touch you.

this was dangerous work, but qiao was certain this male was the only one left. judging by the amount of bloodsplatter on the ground, qiao did not think this man would present much of a fight. 

she stepped close to the den, allowing her eyes a moment to adjust. there was a dark figure hunched in the corner. around him three young puppies milled. 

qiao braced herself for violent extraction. pleasant nights, stranger. we sensed your blood on the road. are you alright?