Though she was still attached to Tojo-Kai until she was comfortable being completely on her own, Rheum was ready to explore some more of Boreas. She slowly began to make her way north from Auster, across the Bifrost, and into the southern territories of the larger continent. From previous small trips with her family and uncle, there were paths she knew and paths she didn't. Wanting to boost her bravery and become more confident and independent, this trip was all about taking the way less traveled. Moving off the beaten path, she felt lucky to have even made it this far. The fjord had been nothing to mess with and while the briar patch had only left her with a few minor scrapes, she had felt relief passing through the prairie.

Until her yellow eyes landed upon the stretch of deserted wasteland. Vegetation was void and not a single scent of an animal permeated her nose. What was this place? Rheum hesitated, wondering if it was good enough to go this far off the beaten path. Obviously, there was a reason many didn't wander this way, but she had been determined... Inhaling a deep breath, she closed her eyes a moment, gathered her wits about her, and as she exhaled, reopened her eyes and began down the first main path she saw. It was wide enough to fit two wolves, well worn, and quite dusty. Hoping that following the trail would lead her to the other side quickly, Rheum continued as night began to set in.

Autumn 18 Navigation Seasonal: 257/1500

He wasn't totally certain how he'd ended up in the desert at midday, but it certainly wasn't the time to be moving. So the wiry male had gathered up his companions and ventured into the caves that stretched beneath the lifeless hills. Just beyond the first entrance that he found, where the sun wouldn't reach him, the nomad settled onto his belly and fell asleep. There was no point trying to cross the landscape in the blazing sun, especially not with his dark coat soaking up the heat like a sponge. He would wait until one of the two animals he wandered about with opted to wake him at twilight, get some rest in. There were rumours of geologic instability here, where the ground would shake and crumble at a moment's notice. Well, that would probably wake him up before he could be buried here. Not worth worrying about. - sunset - The shrill cry of a shrike aimed directly into his sensitive ears woke him with a grunt, and the yearling shook the bird off of his head. His lips peeled back in a mute snarl as he stretched, working his way to his paws at his own leisure. "Bastard," he spat at the little bird, though he didn't really mean it. With the familiar sensation of the ram's wool against his leg, and the subtle flutter of wings just above his head, the dark waif set out. It was considerably cooler out now, and there was a hint of a breeze spitting loose sand into his face. He tipped his chin down, tilting his head until he got a better map of his surroundings from the sounds of wind whistling through bare branches and over stony bluffs. What he didn't expect, was the steady beat of small paws coming from somewhere up the hill to his left. A fox, perhaps a coyote? He lifted his muzzle again to test the air. No, a pup! He seemed to find more than his share of those, wandering around as much as he did. Kicking into a lope, he followed the trail of the young wolf. It was only when he was able to hear the second set of pawsteps that he slowed his pace at all. "You shouldn't be in these hills on your own, little one." he crooned, a warning evident in his tone. Sightless gaze tipped towards the ground, aiming to turn his features to where he imagined the child might be. "There are plenty of hungry beasts who would happily eat you up, you know." he added for good measure, baring his own pearly fangs in a grin. (WC: 709/1500) ""