It had been far too long since Memento Mori last stepped foot in Auster. Within her mind the memories of her childhood, of the family that broke apart bit by bit, until she too left, shifted towards the surface. Did Meme feel guilty for choosing to leave? Of course. She missed how things had been when she was young, when she, despite having her biological father missing, had a family. Things were simpler then… and now, well, she wasn’t really sure what she was doing or where her final destination would be. She didn’t know if any of her family members still resided in Boreas or Auster but… if they did she could only hope that she would find them.

On the plus side, however, Meme was not alone. Beside her traveled her companion who, surprisingly, was not a wolf. The Black-Backed Jackal, a man who went by Jacques, was a unique fellow that had gifted the young woman with the blade of bone that she carried in a strap fastened to her front right leg. Jacques and Meme had grown close, almost like siblings now that they were together. Meme no longer felt lonely… and she was thankful for that.

Their pawsteps fell in sync with one another as the duo padded into the ancient forest. Meme scanned the area with her ghostly gaze and took note of the moss and strong scent in the air.  “This place…” Memento Mori mumbled. It seemed like something out of some tall tale, especially given the size of the oak trees that were scattered about. She felt dwarfed in comparison to them. Giving pause she turned her attention towards Jacques.

“We should be careful,” The femme told him. “Can’t shake the feeling that something is off…”

The jackal gave a small nod. “Alright… You know, now that you mention it... the smell of decay is actually overpowering… And damp. It probably rained recently…” He scanned the area with golden eyes. “Though not sure if that’s what is bothering you. You sure you’re alright, Mem? It’s been almost a full day since you slept.” The Jackal sat down and idly scratched behind one of his ears. “Why don’t we rest here awhile? I can wake you up if something happens.”

Memento Mori frowned but nodded all the same before padding to the base of one of the oaks and laid down. She curled into a ball and let out a yawn before setting her head on her paws. “Thanks…”

Rancid, decay, a bitter smell that seemed to envelop the very senses of the young she-wolf. She hadn’t a single clue where she was going and how she had endured such travel for so long; but, anything to get away from the putrid smell that plagued her nasal cavity. Her mind had wandered for many moons, wondering where everything was starting to fall into place within her life.

First, she had left the sanctuary of her home for something more exhilarating and exciting, but…here she was wandering from place to place without a single end goal in sight! Should she start her own pack? Should she keep moving like her nomadic tendencies have told her to do so? Follow the very birds that have blessed her with their feathers which she wore proudly on her neck and tail and continue wherever they lead her to?

A sigh escaped the star-dusted babe, ebony claws scratching at the dirt which pulled away some insects that began to make their appearance for the Spring season. Little critters that seemed to wander, just like she did. But, with some, they did have an end goal. To reach their home or colony and provide for them. Lunora? She wasn't like that anymore, but she, too, did want an end goal whatever it was.

A few smells seemed to grace her presence, reverting her mind from the other smells that she’d come across before. Who was it? Why were they here of all places? Then again, Luna figured she could ask the same question when it came to herself. Whatever the case, she ventured closer; being cautious about whom the strangers were as her paw steps were light and gentle; being careful to try and not make any sound should the others be hostile towards her. The last thing the woman wanted was confrontation at this point in time; but her mind did keep telling her to go forth and to not look back. For now, the dame would do as her subconscious told her to do without complaint. Her eyes peaked outwards from a bush, seeing two figures who she could barely make out, but she watched them closely with narrowed eyes, seeing if there was anything that could be used against them if there was some form of issue if she were to be spotted. But, for now, Lunora stayed where she was.

Rest did not come easily for Memento Mori. Though she was exhausted the femme tossed and turned for a good while before at last she settled down into slumber. The smells kept invading her nose, troubling her even when she managed to drift into the land of sleep.

In her dreams Memento ran across a vast field of snow all alone. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth and in the living world her body shuddered. She was running from something, something big that overshadowed her. The femme wasn't sure what it was but she dare not turn around; if she stopped it was sure to get her.

Jacques observed Memento Mori as she slept. The sudden twitches and shivers the femme gave concerned him but he didn't want to prod at her. She needed to sleep, even if it was troubled. Her body and mind would be more thankful for any rest at all. He couldn't help but shake the feeling that they weren't alone, however, and he tilted his ears back as he peered around. Whoever they were they had yet to make a move… and for that the jackal was somewhat grateful. If anything happened to Meme under his watch he wouldn't forgive himself.