The Heartwood drifting somewhere between map and maelstrom

he's in a unique position, he quickly realizes, though the truth of the matter is that he has no use for it in this particular time or place. it isn't often that a pack scent can be masked but it makes sense that the choking scent of smoke: tangy and smelling of cooked wood is enough to do it. wintersbane catalogs that as useful. he isn't sure how long the smoke smell might linger ...and he doubts territories go around randomly catching fire but still. it's useful knowledge to have all the same.

i am not packless, he assures her with a soft shake of his head and a lofty shrug of his broad shoulders. but it is generous of you to worry. and then because wintersbane's curiosity is never satisfied and her words — as if she can offer him a pack — are peculiar enough that the tundrian asks, are you planning on settling close to here?