Now that Clove was a bit older, she had been feeling more confident in herself lately. Not necessarily in her hunting skills, but in her ability to travel just outside of the pack lands alone. She typically didn’t go very far. In fact, she felt like she had a safety net, given her father’s ravens patrolled even the neighboring territories. And if anything ever happened, all she had to do was call for her mother or father, and they would be there to help her in an instant. This sense of security, it was false and dangerous. But given Clove’s naivety, she didn’t quite know that yet. Which gave her the confidence to travel so far as the grapevine cathedral, all by herself.
She was drawn to the mangled mass of trees, enticed by the sweet smell, and the fact that it reminded her of the wildberry grove back home. She had found so many delicious berries and fruits in their grove… so, what wondrous things were hidden in this forest, she wondered! Maybe she could find something cool to bring back home and earn some praise from her father. Slipping between the trees and into the forest was an easy feat, given how small and agile she was. And what was waiting for her on the other side, made her jaw drop.
The forest was massive. And yet, there was only grass that grew on the ground, making the expanse look that much bigger. For several moments Clove stood frozen, taking in the scenery. Trying to decide which direction she would go first. Right. Lets go right. Slow in her advance, she took her time inspecting things along the way. Noting how grapevines grew up the trunks of the trees, shrouding them in spots of purple, red, and even green. As she came around a bend, following a path. Clove was taken by surprise when the lumbering, massive frame of another wolf appeared in the distance.
She stopped, hesitating to move forward. Watching him from a distance, ears perked in his direction. He seemed like he was inspecting this place too… and, was maybe around her age? Which made her feel less intimidated. Taking a few steps forward, she felt compelled to approach him now. Wanting to know more about the boy in the forest. “Hello,” She said, calling out, trying to get his attention. "Do you live here?”" If this was his home and she was intruding, she would leave without protest.
"Speech"
