Redtail Rise Anthony works in the grocery store

There were more children now, though Lilia had yet to visit New Snow and see them. Like the other wolves her age, she was beginning to realize the toll it took on a pack when children were born- and the demands it put in the younger generation to step up and fill the places of those who were indisposed. She’d seen how worn out Masque was, feeding and tending to the new mothers. 

Lilia, on the other hand, stepped in to fill the role that Prophet had left behind, as well as she was capable of doing. She patrolled the borders with the ferocity of one starving to prove themself. 

In part, too, because she wanted to be handy the moment Ancelin came back to the Rise for a visit. 

She moved along the borders near the Tangle, sniffing and scratching with her claws, marking here and there as she saw fit- but stiffened when she heard a twig snap nearby.

She had spent the day gathering plants to bring back to her den—the one Aventus had showed her when they first got here. Her heart hurt being there but she also couldn't bear to leave it empty. 

Mouth full of herbs and bark, Arielle hurried over the border, so intent on her work that she didn't notice the wolf on patrol until she was moving behind her. 

The young wolf stiffened and Arielle immediately sat her mouthful down. I apologize. I didn't mean to startle you.

The woman who revealed herself had a pelt like autumn leaves, and a cautious but wise gaze. She’d not seen Arielle until she lifted her head, and spoke- materializing in a way that ruffled Lilia’s ego.

She sniffed the air between them, still stiff and uncertain, noticing then the heavy scent of earth and plants that lingered about her. No wonder she could go unnoticed so well- she smelled more like a herbivore than a wolf, Lilia thought. 

But no less dangerous. About her was a scent that was familiar, too- and Lilia, being as nosey as she was, chose to step a bit closer to investigate this new packmate of hers only to realize she wasn’t really new at all. 

”You’re Anthelin’th Mom,” She stated, pausing and squinting lightly for confirmation.