Long Road Back

It was a strange land, no doubt; Ara swore she could smell the lingering stench of blood on these plains, but she calked it up to her imagination. It made her mind wander, though, and she wondered if something awful had happened here. To force the pack out. Maybe it had been unwise to come here after all..

But her attention would be stolen by the stranger as she spoke in response. Her pale blue eyes would slowly begin to adjust to the heavy darkness that had seemed to settle down on the earth suddenly, as the moon's light grew stronger. She had no clue what was wrong with the woman, but truly wanted to help. A soft shuffle came before the response, as the woman shifted and turned to find her in the night.

Her answer was a growl, and Ara tensed, fur bristling on the back of her neck. She would not return such a noise, but instead would remain silent and wary. Waiting to run, if she had to, or approach further if the stranger truly was in need of help. "I do not cry when I am fine," she stated softly, hardly loud enough for Twig to hear her. Clearly something was wrong. She could not see the tears that had fallen, but her howl had been full of sadness and anguish that even a child could recognize. "Are you hurt?"