Grouse Thicket [m] fear the lioness, paint her face black and golden

he was sent north to scout - much of what the brothers knew of the terrain was passed down by travelers. learning the landscape was the first step to establishing their territory; soto took this undertaking seriously.

that didn’t mean he couldn’t have fun when he scented it on the breeze.

he heard voices, but having a poor grasp of the region’s tongue, understood little. there were several trails here, but it was the signal fire of one specific wolf that piqued his interest. rife with hungry male machismo, soto followed it to the source.

a dark, older woman. she bore a pelt of scars, a carnelian stripe running along her chest that faded to muted bone. soto was impressed by her stature; she was muscular and large — even by his account.

he made himself known by edging into her peripherals, posture neutral yet communicating the underlying masculine appetite that drove him into these woods.