Honeyed Pasture [M] bargaining chip

He was looking for mistletoe, having recently realized that Moke could help him get a fresh sample. He'd found it dried on the forest floor on several occasions, and it had only ever made him sick — but more research ought to be done with the fresh plant. Perhaps there could be some benefit from a topical application.

He was headed toward the weald when he was startled by a distinctive scent. Beside him, Moke made a questioning noise — why had they stopped?

"Stay here," he told her, stepping swiftly away from her and beginning to track the scent to its source. She didn't listen, of course, and began to follow at a distance. He didn't know why he bothered.

It did not take long to find a wolf in a pasture. He soon caught sight of another, and as he drew closer, confirmed that the heatscent was wafting from her formidable figure. His approach became more cautious, but he was still intent on speaking to her.

He barked in greeting, stopping at the crest of the nearest hill.