Jade Fern Grove it shut its eyes entirely and looked the other way.

@Lennon
The rest of the crew is welcome to jump in, too!

He travelled North after leaving Easthollow and intended to head West - just right after checking out what treasures he could find in this forest of ferns. Though winter made hunting scarce, this place swelled with the scent of a multitude, birds and mammals alike. The bison had certainly allured him with their brute strength and natural defence. He would have tried to woo one out to follow him if he had been heading South. But those sort of creatures liked the wide plains, and with elevated travel making the bulk of his foreseeable future, Iovan decided he needed something smaller, something nimble, if he wanted a companion now. Maybe something that could fly.

Truly, he’d always had an eye out for birds, even as he kept his options open to whatever creature was willing to range with him. The possibilities were endless with eyes in the sky, and he had heard that some were very smart. Iovan’s attention drifted heavenward more often that not as he strolled through the woodland, footfalls crunching against the snow. This side-quest would push his trek half a day out, but he was sure Morningside wouldn’t disappear, and he was certain Zenith would understand.

@Korei Julia @Alarian

Fortunately, with the healing skills of his companion his leg had been healing a lot better than he anticipated, though he still had quite a long way to go from here. He was traveling farther from the lair, able to cover more land than in the recent future. Staying put long made his muscles and bones ache to roam around and experience new life — even if it sent a shooting pain up his thigh practically every step. 

Strangely, he was getting used to the feeling. In no way had it dimmed in severity, nor numbed but it was becoming more an annoyance than a disability. His anger had almost entirely dissipated since he and Alarian last spoke, finding a mutual understanding in one another. Finally, back to their routine ways. 

Seeing a stranger made his hairs stand on end, but at this point if any harm were to be even hinted at, the three knew very well at this point to run, and could hold confrontations when they had the ability to walk an hour without cleaning a wound. 

He chuffed to signal to the newcomer of their existence, attempting to decipher whether he be a friend or foe. At this point, another friend would be much appreciated with their last unsettling encounters. Maybe even a new part of the team.

Apologies for the delay!

Iovan was busy considering the outline of what looked like some sort of nest perched high out of reach when the chuff of his own kind reached his ears. Torn by the distraction, the ranger orbited his ears to the side before he caught his body up with the turn and faced his company with the lift of his brows - an open and curious look.

The wolf who approached him was handsome by every means, but Iovan wasn't the sort to dwell long on beauty, unless the wolf was of the fairer sex. Rather, he found himself caught up in the reason for the man to be so forward in his approach, unafraid to make himself known - though one catch of his scent suggested he didn't travel alone. The tall stranger didn't seem a threat, and his amber eyes suggested warmth, or at least, neutrality. Either or was better than hostility, and on that cue, Iovan allowed his tail to pick up a slow wag. "Hello there," he finished his turn to face the newcomer, and took a casual pace to cover the small distance between them so they didn't have to yell. "Name's Iovan Theyn." He tipped his head, and when he raised his sight again, his own contentment shimmered through his eyes. "And who do I have the pleasure?"