Jade Fern Grove defying gravity,

Paloma had been traveling for weeks. Paw pads worn and cracked, she had to stop herself from wincing with each step on the icy ground. Dark clouds had been following her, both literally and figuratively, on her trek through unknown lands. She wondered if it would rain soon. That would be just her luck. 

Thoughts of her mother, warning her away from this journey, picked at Paloma's already weakened resolve. Her rage and guilt burned brightly in her heart, but they could only burn for so long without anything to fuel the flames. The dame had yet to find any information on her father, another crushing blow. 

Lost in her thoughts, and admittedly none too observant, Paloma found herself walking up on a large male. Behind him, she felt herself stiffen with fear. She had come too far to stumble upon aggressive pack lands and die. With his thick scruff and strong build, she figured him to be a warrior of some sort. Pulling herself up, Paloma cleared her throat gruffly. "I mean no harm," She choked out, her voice like rough sandpaper from disuse.