Northstar Vale Dammit Tubbs, not again

@Tryphon

Sticking close to home had proven beneficial in many aspects, but she could not help but wish to take it a step further. Waiting around for others to find her would not always work, and so she'd decided to set out along the mountain. The range stretched on for miles, consisting of various peaks and ridges of varying elevations; few of which she'd actually had the privilege of viewing up close. Before leaving, she'd lingered along the borders of the territory she'd unofficially claimed, refreshing her scent to let others know of her regular presence there. She'd continued on like that until the sun had reached it's highest point in the sky, then a howl was given to alert those already within the dome that she would be absent from the area for the day. Without awaiting a response from her followers (or seeing if anyone was curious enough to follow), she'd departed from the slumbering volcano, heading south down Lone Star towards a destination she'd yet to witness.

The dragon's pace slowed with caution as she'd needed to switch paths, descending down rather than proceeding towards higher grounds. When her paws finally touched down on a leveled section of earth, she thought, for a moment, that she'd veered away from the mountains entirely. The trees loomed overhead, some barren and others lined with needles, informing her that she'd entered a forest of sorts. Her legs carried her west, however after only a few meters, the canopy above had given way and allowed for her gaze to scour the skies. In every direction she looked, she was met with the sight of looming peaks in the distance. Rather than leaving the mountain—something she hadn't planned to do, mind you—it became apparent that she'd simply found something along the lines of a valley within it. A place where the ground had not risen up to the heavens, but rather stayed even and low. It was a pleasant location, something sure to be rich in prey, but in her mind it could never compare to the volcano and cavern she'd grown attached to.

While she did not plan to visit the vale often, exploring it further could never hurt. The forest looked healthy, too, which only strengthened her resolve to investigate as far as it reached. If a time ever came where the forest within the cavern grew sick, or the prey within it became scarce, having a back-up source of sustenance would come in handy. However strong her doubt was that such a situation would ever arise, she would much rather be safe instead if sorry further down the line. Atop slim legs, she maneuvered her way between the trees and shrubbery, making note of any scents she'd picked up along the way. Prey was her prime focus, but she also remained alert for any signs of other wolves. After all, to give up an opportunity at killing two birds with one stone seemed almost foolish.