The Heartwood Crows... they're an omen, aren't they?

He followed the highlands, avoiding the nearby forest for the sake of time. It felt good to be running in the open fields with the sun on his back, the wind in his fur. It was a clear day with a sharp wind whipping across his face, but Reyes didn't see the harm in it. He felt free out here compared to the tension that Teya brought out of him.

She'd told him he'd be gone a week, but he was making good time. In the days to follow, Reyes could at least enjoy some alone time while he waited for the representative from Blackwater; he was meant to travel to a particular field and camp there in wait of them.

As Reyes came upon a wide swath of forest, he ducked among the trees and meandered along, spying a few deer paths, signs of rabbits, and a couple empty burrows which might've belonged to foxes or badgers for all he could tell; but he didn't pursue anything.