Noctisardor Bypass Stuck In Deep

laurel was still not returned.
mahler prepared to look for her. nightfall brought the solitude for his thoughts, for considerations of her own choices beyond their border. the way they had parted was sterile, horrid. mahler wished to rectify this, but moreso — he wished to make another start for them.
the scent of a stranger wreathed upon the wind. mahler gruffly swung about in that direction, muttering to himself about young men.
he found the stranger inside his own territory, but it was first concern for malila, then worry for wylla that brought him awake and bearish, a guttural roar sounding as he barreled to rip into the interloper's shoulder.
blood filled his jaws; mahler set his stance and tore harder, though mind managed at least a tangential wondering of why someone would be so foolish.