The Heartwood Heartwood Snacking

Koda climbed out onto the bank and shook out his fur. His toes were a little numb, so he sat down and curled his bushy tail around his paws to warm them. As Scarlett let the running water wash the blood from her coat, Koda licked the blood from his wound. It wasn't anything serious, but he tried to clean it up and hide it as best as he could, knowing Kesuk would probably be upset if she saw it.

It suddenly occurred to him that he'd been gone all day, and he'd be returning to his pack with nothing to show for it but a chewed up leg. He was sure his pack mates would be disappointed. Food had been a little scarce lately. He'd wanted to bring home some leftovers to cache, but he'd ended up feeding a horde of thieves. What a waste.

Despite the disappointment he was feeling, he smiled at Scarlett's encouraging words. "Thanks, Scarlett," he replied. "But I think you helped me, more than I helped you."

Koda rose and looked to the north. He couldn't see it through the trees, but he knew the plateau rose up somewhere beyond the forest and the plains. All he had to do was follow the river back. He wondered where home was for Scarlett. He wanted to get back to Kesuk and the others, but he also wanted to make sure she'd get home safe. "Would you like me to walk you home?" He offered.