over the river and through the woods

Spirit, although far from what anyone would consider comfortable within Abaven, was slowly beginning to adjust to life back home. Still he stuck close by his mother's side whenever he wasn't alone, as if he wasn't quite sure how to exist without her. In his newest companion, the little strawberry finch that was always close by, he'd found some comfort... she was a familiar face and the shy little bird seemed as fond of him as he was of her. She was no wolf, and he knew he needed to properly integrate with the other wolves within his pack, but he cared for her just the same - perhaps even more than the wolves within Abaven he didn't know, but he'd never rightfully admit that.

His siblings had been on his mind lately. Making amends with them, somehow, seemed important... and yet he was at a loss for how to do just that. He was reminded constantly of how hurt Desolate had looked upon their return, while Gloom and Void for example had seemed mostly happy to see them. Spirit didn't know how to take any of their reactions, or even if he should be allowed to question them. It was he and his mother who had left, despite their reasons for being separated being valid ones; their hurt was real and he understood that.

But what now? He had no idea.

The lanky boy, slowly beginning to fill in again after returning home, found his mind drifting to his siblings as he wandered through the plains. As close as he was to his mother, he was a wolf of few words and even with her, things often went unsaid. How could he begin to deal with everything he worried about? Maybe she could help him, if only he could find his voice. He didn't except to see someone else nearby though, and he found himself flinch as Rhythm came into view, though he regained some semblance of composure and took a few more steps. "O-oh, hello," Spirit nervously greeted her, wishing desperately his tongue didn't feel like a lead weight in his mouth.