Phoenix Maplewood white winter hymnal

sega drifted in from the treeline a moment later, snow clinging to his pale coat. he had been shadowing callahan’s flank, letting the younger male lead the sweep as part of his training. now, at the stranger’s scent, he closed the distance.

he said nothing at first. only stood beside callahan, a steady presence, golden eyes taking in the dark she-wolf beneath the oak. tired. wary. travel-worn. not a threat — only alone.

sega dipped his head once, a simple greeting.

snow sifted across his muzzle as he studied her a moment longer.

we patrol only. no trouble.

a faint nod toward her scraped paws, the heaviness in her posture.

long travel, he noted quietly. come from far?