Spring had come to the prairie in force. The bright green of the fresh grass, the tiny flowers scattered around creating a bright, cheerful blanket over the land. But one visitor didn't appreciate the beauty of the flowers, or feel the relief that the new warmth in the breeze incited. He mentally cataloged the flowers as useful or not, he took note of the wind only to scent for prey and to take notice of the possibility of any disruptive weather. Shay had purpose here, and with no one around he felt no need to fake emotions. So he simply moved through the grass, the same strangely blank expression on his gray face, silver eyes gleaming in the sunlight. He was here simply to fill his empty stomach, and since the prairie teemed with young life it seemed the most reasonable place to find it. A rustle in the grass nearby signaled the movements of a mouse, and Shay crept closer. Intent on his actions, but feeling no anticipation, no bloodlust, he pounced. A squeak, a quick bite to dispatch the creature, and the rodent disappeared down his throat in a moment. The gray wolf continued on his way, hunger not satisfied by the meager morsel. He would need something a bit larger than the mouse. "Speech"

Things had certainly changed for Ara since her father had come home -- and certainly for the better. His presence was a constant anchor for her, calming her anxious thoughts and bringing a constant source of joy to the young girl. She was always eager to spend time with him, to hear his stories, to teach him things that she had learned while he was away. He had told her recently why he had named her Ara; after her grandfather. He was not related by blood, but had taken in Bronze when he was very young. He had been fierce and honorable and serious, and she admired the man in the stories, wishing so badly she could have met her namesake. But bringing back the dead was not a feat that was possible; but she couldn't help but wonder, as any child would, if maybe such miracles were feasible. Perhaps with the right herb, with the right concoction... The girl's mind would wander as she tread from familiar territory. Today she was not in search of anything in particular. She simply would walk, content to view the scenery and get lost in the tall grasses and budding plants, rather than in the depths of her own mind. But as time passed, she realized she was not alone here. The rustling of grass in the distance was enough to signify that another lurked nearby. "Hello?" Her soft lyrics would bubble from within her chest, a gentle question as to who might be nearby.