A Moment of Solitude

Larisa had stolen away from the Elysium Band for the day, relishing the opportunity to be off on her own. Although she had lived most of her life in a pack, for some time now she had been on her own, and there was something strange about being surrounded by wolves again. Although there was probably no need for her to be secretive, she had left without saying a word to anyone - a small rebellion.
    Larisa had followed the river as it twined its way up from the hot springs until she reached the waterfall. The falls were still strong and loud, sustained by continuing snowmelt in the mountains. She should probably look for some prey to hunt, she reasoned, to add to the band's stock for the long journey south, but she had been distracted by the growing sound and was curious to find its source. Larisa carefully walked up to the water's edge, the rocky ground surrounding the pools of water slick with spray. She dipped her head to drink her fill, ears pointed back and to the side to listen for approaching company.