Porcupine Ridge stone plug

There were others on the mountain.  Redd told her charge to remain back, not wishing to risk appearing a threat to those establishing claim here.  She in turn explored the extent of their holding, navigating the threads of scent that wove a story of those who dwelt here.

A small group, recently arrived yet already threaded throughout the ridge before her.  They did not seem to have claimed beyond it.  All were young and healthy; one had recently passed by.

She lifted her head to stare in this direction, but made no move to approach any closer.  The longing to have pack surround her once more was supplanted by the gnawing restlessness within.  Not if they were not hers.

Still the longing compelled her to linger; a shade on the boundary of a fire, never quite stepping into the ringing light.