So this is goodbye

Brandr promised to take care, then turned back to leap the wall and continue back to the lake where his family waited, presumably ready to leave as soon as they could to beat the snow. "Good luck," she murmured after him. Optimistically, she told herself that she'd see him again some day, but in her heart she knew that they would not meet again on this earth. She had too little time left here herself for it to be likely their paths would cross again.

She sighed, gazing after him a moment longer in regret. He'd been a good young man who had worked hard in what time she'd known him, and the pack would certainly be quiet without him and his son there. But he was doing what was best for his family, and for that she could never blame him. She knew, too, that it was time to do what was best for her family, and move on, knowing that he would be happier elsewhere. So, she did, pushing herself back to her paws and continuing on her patrol, though somewhat more soberly than before.

-exit-