Lake Rodney [[EVENT HUNT]] The Grand Pursuit!

He'd already declined the invite, in person, when the suggestion had been made. It wasn't even necessary for him to tell Fennec he wasn't going- he was free of those sort of expectations, it seemed. And in the time spent apart he felt a bit of pressure become released- and so when the call went up...He argued with himself. 

Nobody was forcing him, or pressuring him. Nobody was guilting him for having made the decision not to go, and he didn't feel as thought he'd get shamed when the hunters returned, either. The absence of manipulation or pressure relieved him. 

And with a good gathering of hunters all coming together...It was almost safer than being left at home with only border markings to act as warnings, and whoever stayed at home to patrol them. While Bronco hated fighting, hunting was something completely different- he had always loved to hunt. 

He found Fennec's scent trail and warily followed it to the borders. He was far enough behind now that he wouldn't catch up with her- which...Delighted him a bit. Warily, and with the hangdog, submissive lurk that had become his gait, he picked his way down the slope toward the lake just beyond the borders. 

He picked up his pace when he caught the scent of other wolves, wanting to close the gap as soon as possible so he couldn't be caught on his own. His heart raced, but he felt a wave of relief and pride wash over him when they came into view. 

He still stepped very skittishly to Fennec's side, kept his tail tucked, and a wary eye over his own shoulder at all times. His breath came in short, quiet puffs, a sign of his anxiety mixed with anticipation. 

He wilted somewhat, though, when he saw a few faces he recognized from Brechelient. Maya and Eljay were there- he'd forgotten that they might be. Surely, they'd notice the change in him- he simply hoped they wouldn't question or stare, and he hoped that Fennec would discourage any such thing anyway. 

Also present, which made him all the more perplexed, was Reyes... He wasn't sure what had become of the relationship he'd once shared with Towhee, but it had soured Bronco's already somewhat rocky view on his cousin. Especially considering that that foolish altercation he'd had with Niamh had led to her death. 

So he was overwhelmed- but too cowardly to turn and go back to the Caldera alone. The only source of comfort came from the unexpected instinct to glue himself to Fennec's side. He fervently rested his shoulder against her side, and dipped his muzzle down toward her elbow, hoping she'd allow him to cling to her like this.