I just want to live

After a couple of recent trips outside the Armada, Charlie had decided that trips outside of the Armada weren’t so bad. While there was no place like the home he came to know and love, there was a beauty in the lands outside the Armada he had forgotten that lands beyond it could be just as stunning. His thoughts drifted toward the Hallows, and to the family he’d seen when he was younger. He had more family spread out across the two continents as well. Weren’t they just as important as his loved ones in the Armada? He didn’t need to consider the answer; he knew it was a yes. But he didn’t want to get ahead of himself. He had started moving up within the pack, and he wanted to settle into his new role before he considered traveling at all.

Still… as he moved under the redwood trees, Charlie considered what lay out there. The adventures he could have, the wolves he could meet. He could surely find a balance between his life at home and experiencing what the world had to offer, right? A chirp from Silveris caught his attention and Charlie looked up at her. The shrike had landed on a branch above him, head tilted to the side as she peered down at him. The wolf’s expression softened and he gave a soft chuckle. “I’m fine, Silveris. I’m just thinking… maybe you should go explore the area yourself. I’ll call for you if anything comes up, okay?” The shrike would watch him for a moment longer before dipping her head and body forward, her version of a nod, and took to the skies, flying off elsewhere as Charlie continued along.

It was early yet, the morning sun breaking through the trees and falling over his tawny fur. It didn’t bring as much warmth as he’d like, the tell tale signs of winter approaching. It would be here before they knew it, and Charlie would welcome any opportunity to work on things and keep his body moving. A sudden burst of noise, high pitched and feminine, reached him and Charlie’s fur would rise on end. Was someone being hurt? He broke into a run, ears falling against his skull as he looked for the maiden that had cried out. Thankfully there was no danger to be found. As he broke past some trees into an open area with a stream… and the girl who had braved the chilly water. He would relax then, a soft sigh passing his lips.

…Well… this was a bit awkward… He’d come rushing in here to help and there was no danger.

“You should be careful crying out like that, miss. Someone might think you were in danger.” His words were gentle, not a hint of anger or upset within them. He was just glad she was alright. “You’re pretty brave though, heading in the stream when it’s been getting this cold.” He had come to a stop, not realizing that he was staring at her fiery features. What a unique individual.

"Speech," 'Thought.'