feet, don't fail me now

departing from the orchard of sweet smelling fruits, he'd find his way south to the islands. the beaches were lovely; he always did enjoy swimming and frolicking in the water. but now wasn't the time for that. he had to gather his wits and figure out a plan. he'd only met one other wolf so far, and it wasn't enough to broaden his horizons at all. he still didn't know much of this place, and he was woefully unprepared should something happen. luckily, he didn't have to watch out for anyone but himself so far. some wolves would find that lonely.

Benedict merely accepted it.

he couldn't hope to protect or defend anyone if he didn't know any others. he didn't have connections; that made you weak or strong depending on who it was with. autumn was fast approaching - he could smell the change in the air - and with it would be his fourth year alive. how time passed. the man felt weariness fade and come back as he walked. determination kept him going but often he'd pause to rest his paws from the long travel. the ebbing exhaustion was enough to let him know he had done his best so far to keep up with the hardy natives.

seeing the island ahead, he'd swim the short distance toward it. if it was fortified, he'd make it his place of residence for the time being. even loners had their own territory; it just wasn't official to the packs in the area. Benedict wasn't the type to snap and snarl if anyone came close to him anyway. he'd make do with what meager substance he had. shaking the water from his sleek fur, he'd turn back to look at the mainland briefly before heading further in. the day had been a long one and he sought shelter for the coming night. the water had done its job cooling his bones too. he felt more relaxed.

but it didn't stop him from flinching slightly as a snap! was heard nearby. he'd shoot his head toward the direction, eyes trying their best to remain calm. he smelt wolf, though who it belonged to was unknown. "hello?" Benedict called out.