Barrow Fields wayward

The news was concerning. Aureli's brow furrowed. Fall and winter were popular times for young wolves to disperse, anticipating the coming breeding season. To hear that there had been so few made the healer wonder what might be keeping them at home — or else killing them off.

Closer, now, he assessed the female anew. She seemed healthy enough.

"Ah — no," he replied, politely but awkwardly. "I do not require companionship. My vows restrict me from taking a mate — until I've trained an apprentice into a fledged healer."

In his own way, he attempted to let her down easy.

"Are you from the area?" he asked her, his concern clearly showing despite his professional demeanor. "That is very few wolves."