Emberwood Still Alive

After his latest river-related mishap, Hirundo had decided he needed a break from rivers. Or ponds. Or really any water that went up beyond his paws. He ventured away from where Swiftcurrent Creek formed a bend, towards the green-yellow leaves of an aspen grove.

Then he heard water again, and Hirundo nearly turned right back around. Only, he picked up on an unfamiliar scent: a stranger. Though Hirundo was not as friendly as he had once been, he turned and slowly padded in the direction it had come from. Unfriendly company was better than no company at all, as far as he was concerned. (Alone, he had only his thoughts to focus on, and that rarely went well these days.)

Hello! Do you live by the river, too? Hirundo called out cheerfully.