there was an echo, far and faint

Ellara glanced up at the darkening sky, the distant rumble of thunder echoing through the clearing. "You're right, Atreyu," she said, her voice calm but alert. "We should find shelter before the storm hits." She motioned for Atreyu and Bigs to follow her. "There are some old stone foundations nearby. One of them still has enough of a ceiling to keep us dry."

Leading the way through the overgrown garden, Ellara guided them toward the remnants of what once must have been a small stone building. The walls were mostly crumbled, but one corner still had an intact section of the ceiling. It was just big enough to provide shelter for two wolves and a small dog. "Here we are," she said, stepping inside and shaking the rain from her fur. "It’s not much, but it will keep us dry."

Ellara settled into the sheltered space, making room for Atreyu and Bigs. "We can wait out the storm here," she said, her voice reassuring. "Once it passes, I'll make sure the plants are doing well. For now, let's stay warm and dry." She curled up comfortably, her eyes watching the rain begin to fall more heavily outside, grateful for the unexpected company in this quiet part of Auster.