Deepwood Weald Can you feel the love tonight

Leaving the Sentinels had been more difficult than she anticipated. She already missed the towering trees and the soft hush of green that wrapped around her like a second skin. She'd be home soon, she reminded herself, over and over, like a mantra against the ache of absence.

When she finally came upon what she believed to be Moonglow’s borders, Kirain slowed, nose low to the ground. She sniffed carefully, ensuring she remained just outside the territorial line—she didn’t want to spark the same kind of reaction Solenya had encountered.

Still, nerves gnawed at her.

She had never before called for an audience with a pack, and the unfamiliarity of it made her limbs feel stiff and foreign. Her paws flexed anxiously against the earth. But she had made a promise to Solenya. She had traveled this far with lilies and lupine in tow, and she would see it through.

Just… not quite yet.

She paused, drawing a long, steadying breath into her lungs, willing her heart to slow. Then, lifting her head, she turned her muzzle to the sky and let out a singular, clear howl—hoping it would reach @Rodyn

Rodyn was almost ready to go. He determined to do one more border patrol. Speak with both Arrluk and Ajei and then be on his way. His plans were Waylaid, as set plans often were when a howl rebounded. It was further from the borders edge than he anticipated, but he followed it none the less. It was close enough.

Yellow eyes aglow in the forest his good friend once claimed. He found another wolf. She smelled like loam and plants. Tiny in stature, she stood stalwart.

Rodyn's stance was an easy one here away from his borders. And he dipped his head. Spoke softly in the hushed forest I'm Rodyn Ardeth. You called?

A weave of his tail as he waited.

Seeing his friendly approach was a relief. Kirain had never handled conflict well, and she wanted to make a good impression—for Solenya’s sake as much as her own.

Hello! I’m Kirain. I… I was actually looking for you, she said, her voice warm but tinged with nerves.

Reaching into her hide sling, she carefully retrieved the lilies and lupine. Stepping forward, she placed them gently at his feet before retreating a pace.

A gift from the Viridian Sanctum, she explained. Lilies symbolize rebirth and hope. We don’t know the details of your grief, but we offer our sympathies.

She hesitated, then added more softly, Solenya wanted to come herself, but… she couldn’t. So she sent me.

Her words came out in a rush, betraying her unease. Kirain stood still, silently hoping her offering would be enough.

Rodyn was not a confrontational wolf ever. But when his borders were crossed he was equipped and willing to fight for them. But diplomacy was always his first route.

There was a nervous energy to the she wolf, Rodyn tried to make himself a little smaller in case it was his stature that caused her anxiety.

He reached towards his memories, Solenya had said my Kirain. So this was her friend?

He studied the Lillie's and the lupine. Kukutux would have appreciated the symbolism.

Thank you. They are lovely. I will put them on our memorials for Kukutux and Aiolos.

Rodyn tilted his ear. I imagine she is fatigued. Journeys throughout these lands can be tiring. I hope she gets the rest she deserves and needs.

A small smile. I will be on my way to bring trade and invitations to your borders here soon. I'm leaving this evening. We have a gathering every fall for other packs for fellowship and trade.

Kirain offered a small, respectful bow at the mention of those who had been lost. She knew grief intimately, and understood that such wounds took time to mend.

The lupine was indeed weary when she returned, she said gently, but she had many kind things to say about you.

Her smile returned, more genuine now as the tension began to ease between them. We look forward to any and all opportunities for trade between our packs.

She dipped her head once more. I won’t keep you. I have other matters to tend to as well.

A soft sincerity laced her farewell. It was truly a pleasure to meet you, Rodyn.

Rodyn felt a pain in his chest when he thought of all those moonglow had lost in just 2 years and it made him almost sick.

Rodyn chuckled. I'm glad. She was genuine herself. I look forward to seeing you both again. Have safe travels miss. Kirain. And the pleasure was mine.

He bent to lift the plants in his maw. Another respectful dip of his head.

With that, Kirain turned and began to wander—off to who knew where. That was the beauty of it, wasn’t it? An adventure waiting to unfold.

A small smile played at her lips as she walked. She couldn’t wait to tell Solenya about the encounter. Rodyn had turned out to be quite the gentleman, after all.