� forgotten

Talon was oblivious to the horrible realization he was about to face. Painfully naive, he simply radiated joy as they finally emerged from the cool waters, shaking off his fur rather awkwardly. It was not very easy to shake his body vigorously as he wanted to, so he settled for a half-hearted sort of shake. Water still clung desperately to the boy, making him seem even smaller than normal; as though he was naught but skin and bones.

Excitement radiated from the very core of his being as he began their short journey towards his home. He was able to move much more rapidly than normal, feeling comfortable around Euphrosyne and not at all self-conscious like usual, his tail waving proudly behind him as they entered the flat territory of Seracia.

He knew he should call for the King to alert him of a stranger in the lands, but he neglected to, eager to introduce his new friend to his mother and sisters. If she got in trouble, he would take the blame for her; the King seemed nice anyway, and not at all like he was the kind of person who would hurt someone for something so silly. The land was nothing miraculous -- certainly not nearly as lovely as the island they had found -- but it was home, and he was content here. The air was simply blossoming with the scent of other wolves, but he noticed something strange as they approached his den. His mother and sisters' scents were stale, as though they hadn't been around today. His smile faded as he drew himself closer to the den, suddenly oblivious of Euphrosyne's presence as he peered inside expectantly.

Nothing. Gone. They always came home in the evenings -- always. He felt an awful sinking feeling in his stomach, and suddenly felt nauseous and dizzy. Why wouldn't they come back? Had they been hurt? Had they left him like his father? No... Misty would never leave him! She told him that. As hard as he tried to not appear affected, Talon had always been a sensitive boy... and as he suddenly realized that his family was gone, his lower lip began to tremble and his body began to quiver slightly, making him look as pathetic as possible. "I... I don't think they are coming back," he whispered, his voice soft, but audible in the empty den. His head was bowed, his eyes closing as he stood in the dim light of the structure, simply wondering why.