Serenade-The-Wolf

In the evening light, Evander took in the wash of colors reflecting off the surface of Lake Nokotara, the range of vivid blues and deep purples and vibrant oranges a welcome respite from the waves of heat rippling from the Flame Expanse. The herd had lingered on the continent's eastern side for a long while, riding out the harsh winter until finally the cold gave way to warmth and the snow melted. Fresh grazing reemerged, and the predators who had taken haven in the south to escape the colder seasons returned to their homes. Circe, Eris, Rheya, and Lavinda remained with Evander, much to his relief, though he wouldn’t have forced them to stay if they wished to leave. Now, as the group wandered closer to the lake, Evander took in the scenic view with a smile tugging at his muzzle. The lake stretched as far as he could see ahead and to both sides, its reach seemingly endless. Trees cropped up at the edges in some places, while reeds of tall grass decorated the border where the sandy

“Another story for another time,” Rheya decided, though her intent did not seem to be to conceal information, simply just to refrain from reliving the past. “But… perhaps I could show you and your little one to more protective glades? I was headed south, but I know some safe stops along the way.” She offered a warm smile, eyes lighting with the authenticity of her words. Sensing her good intentions, Evander still considered, as he always did, the circumstances and all parties involved. Glancing at Circe and Eris, Evander studied their expressions, both of which were wary but open to the idea it seemed. Unless he was completely misreading them. Mares were a mystery sometimes. Glancing at Lavinda, Evander considered Rheya’s offer, imagining areas more easily defensible from predators where the filly could run and play without worry, where the mares could graze without constantly looking over their shoulders. That in mind, Evander nodded. “We would appreciate that, thank you,” he

"Eden, who are you talking to? We need to move before that cougar finds us again!" Gavriel could hardly believe his eyes when yet another cow emerged from the underbrush, belly rounded with calf, panting from a run that must’ve strained her body in the state she was in. Her deep brown eyes immediately shot to Gavriel with suspicion as she neared Eden’s side, taking up a defensive posture alongside her friend. “Leah,” Eden answered, glancing between her friend and Gavriel. “Who is this?” Leah asked, before he even had the chance to put her worries at ease. “I’m Gavriel,” he introduced, dipping his head. “What’s this you were saying about a cougar?” Leah and Eden shared a knowing look between them before Leah, seemingly the elder of the two, spoke again. “We saw it from a distance yesterday, and it has been trailing us ever since. I’m sure you can understand I’m not very fast at the moment.” There was a hint of annoyance in her tone, tinged with sadness as she glanced sidelong at