Sun Mote Copse At last, at last

Sun high over the copse, the sunflower girl walked her new borders with a quiet pride. She had already begun to collect goods which could be preserved until the summer months, excitement flowing through her each time the though of summerwalking passed through her mind.

She hoped to gather more members, to find those who aligned with her optimistic worldview, but even if they did not come she knew that she still had Nasamiituuq. That was enough.

Pausing to renew a scent marker, she stared out beyond her temporary home. She was excited to find out what lied beyond it.

The noon sun beat down upon the Knight's back as he stalked a doe's trail. Thankfully, the season had not grown so hot as to cause discomfort, but Galathiel still found himself hugging the shade of woodland patches.

Call it a force of habit, a reminder that no matter how far he travelled, the Garden still curled it's ugly brambles around him. He snorted ironically.

This particular path cut to a rather dense copse, and though he did not spot the deer, his eyes came to rest on something - or rather someone - that was far more interesting. "Good day isn't it, Miss!" His greeting rose above the general bird noise as his head lowered upon approach.

A stranger came upon her as she patrolled, quick to catch Waawaashkeshi's attention with a friendly greeting. Yes! The winter is clearing up nicely this year. She spoke in return, her tail curling upwards. She knew well that few wolves lived in the Hinterlands these days, and this one was a new face. Do you wish to pass through? I'd be glad to accompany you.

Her offer came with a friendly smile, though it was a way to ensure the security of her new borders all the same. Keshi was not one to be territorial, but having been attacked upon her arrival in the copse she knew it was best to be a tad more cautious than usual.

She spoke true! The melting snow brought mud as it did a gorgeous transition into spring, and already Galathiel had begun to spend his days enjoying the sun's gentle warmth. "If you would be so generous," he bowed his head at her offer. "However, the deer I was hunting is yours now. It would be uncouth of me to stalk it past your borders." Her scent was fresh, the message clear.

Nevertheless, his eyes sparkled, seemingly unbothered that his quarry may have by now escaped into unfamiliar packlands. There would be others, he reasoned; the season was bountiful. "Knight Galathiel," he introduced after a moment, raising his shoulders and offering her a lazy grin in turn. "And who may I have the pleasure of meeting?"

I am afraid that I am a far better scavenger than I am a hunter, or I would offer to share the meal with you. She spoke with a smile, a tilt of her head gesturing him further into the territory. I did hear that there are good hunting grounds just south of here. Smaller prey, good for flushing.

Lifting her head to check for the scent of anyone who may be following the man, she soon resumed her previous path. My name is Waawaashkeshi, and this is the territory of the Summerwalkers. For now, at least. She responded, proudly looking out upon the copse. What brought you to the hinterlands, my friend?

A scavenger, eh? Galathiel turned his nose up at the idea of feasting on another's hard work. "Sounds like a place worth investigating," he confirmed, grateful for her knowledge of the land nonetheless. He observed the way her lithe body cut through the forest as he followed a length behind. Some wolves just weren't built for the hunt, he supposed.

And yet she proved to be keenly interesting. "What a beautiful name, the Summerwalkers." His tone was genuine, liking the way the title - and her name - rolled off his tongue as the Garden had too, even if Waawaashkeshi was a bit of a mouthful. "Ah, well. You see, a Knight must be well-travelled," was all he said in response to her curious question. "Pray tell, though. What do you mean when you say 'for now'? Planning on leaving so soon?"

Galathiel fixed her with a crinkly-eyed stare, though his ears swivelled on constant high-alert.

A knight - she thought it to be quite the funny word! Well said! I think it is worth the time for any wolf to be well-travelled. The land had much to offer - how could anyone deny themselves of it?

Rerouting herself southwards, she decided it would be fair to send him off in the direction of the hunting grounds. Yes, in the summer. Our name is quite literal. Her explanation was offered with a light snicker. When the warm months come the birds will lead us to a new territory. We trade along the way. She was rather excited for this, shown in the wag of her tail.

Walking through a ray of sun, she ruffled her fur beneath it. Do you look forward to the coming months? She asked, glancing back at her companion. I know the heat is a bit much for some.

A couple moons ago and Galathiel might have vehemently denied the notion that travelling might be good for someone. But now, with some miles under his belt, he was beginning to wholeheartedly agree with the idea.

"It is indeed. Although, I do find the nights to be quite lonesome. I suppose it is a little different with a pack at your side." It was an alien lifestyle to that of which he'd known, and yet perhaps he could warm to it - after all, he was on the road now. Had Keshi's subtle redirection not been a clear sign she wanted him gone.

Galathiel smiled thinly at her growing excitement. Summer was not so far away, now the cold winter had passed; it was best not to get too attached. "I do enjoy the sun," he admitted with a twitch of his lips, eyes momentarily followed the swish of her fur. "Any month without snow is a pleasurable one."

I understand. She too knew the cold feeling of being alone in an unfamiliar place. It could be horrible - the boulder had taught her that. You will find your place my friend. Who knows, maybe you'll end up back here.

Reaching the southern border, she nodded to the lands beyond. May the land treat you well, Galathiel. Her words were spoken genuinely. He seemed a good man, she hoped they would meet again someday.

She spoke in a tone of finality and, despite her cheerful disposition, Galathiel knew her escort had reached it's end. "And you too, Miss Keshi. Perhaps I may return with a deer next time!"

Crossing over the scent marker, his tail waved once as he shot her a final look over his shoulder. "If you need anything, howl for me and I will come. That's a promise." One he hoped he could keep before the Summerwalkers departed for greener pastures. But, then again, the Knight had never been good at keeping his word.