It's wild like the river It's warm like the sun

Gossamer was taking her warrior training seriously. She set herself a schedule of patrols and was doing her best to stick to them, even if they were at the crack of dawn. She had yet to master the art of getting her but out of a nice warm den and into the cool of morning but she was sure it would come with practice.

Gossamer was working her way around the border of the Tall Grass Plains when she heard her father calling for the family. She picked up her pace, breaking out into a run as the call was on the other side from where she was. Well… she wanted to get back into shape.

Her pace slowed as she caught sight of her father and Aris and…

Gossamer came to a sudden stop, just staring at Zee. She swiftly raised a paw and wiped at her eyes, wondering if she was hallucinating from lack of sleep. When she removed her paw her mother was still there and the blessed wind brought the scent right to her. Tears welled up in her eyes and she screamed in joy as she rocketed toward Zee. "Mooooom! I knew it! I knew it! Mom!" She wanted to tackle her mother in a bear hug, seeking to lick at the woman's muzzle as she when a pup and nuzzle her neck. She wanted cuddles. She wanted to feel the solidity of her mother and know she was truly there and not some phantom. Her emotions ricocheted about in her head until an ugly sob erupted from her throat and tears fell in swift rivulets. "I'm sorry… oh mom I'm so sorry! I failed you! Please, I'm so sorry!" Here mother was alive, and she'd failed to find her. Zee could've been back sooner if only she'd persevered more.