This journey of theirs had been a long time coming. At least, it felt like a long time. The hound was now in their second winter of life, finally allowed to set off on their own once they had become two years old. They didn't mind roaming the lands. It could be a little lonely at times, but they only had to look up at the moon at night to remind themselves that all around, every other creature was seeing the same moon, the same stars. They were never alone, not truly.

Their journey had taken them towards the packlands of a group known as Insomnia. The ideals of the pack interested them and after seasons of wandering on their own, they wanted to settle down. They needed to be accepted into the ranks first, however. And even before that, they had to make it through the marshy forest of willow trees. Morrigan hovered like a shadow on the outskirts of the forest, peering into the depths with a pale gaze. The scents of moss and swamp and stagnant water mixed with the tantalizing smells of prey animals and other canines like them. The black dog pricked their ears for a moment; nothing in the air or the area alerted them to any immediate danger, but they could never be too careful.

Finally satisfied that they were safe for the time being, they raised their head and marched onwards, letting a curtain of willow branches brush along their back as they entered the forest.

✧⎯ upon hallowed ground ⎯✧

Redrum stood among the willows, his jaw twitching with each cautious sniff of the air. The faint scent of something new filling his nostrils. His long ears flicked back and forth, catching the rustle of willow branches and the distant calls of hidden creatures. Each step was carefully calculated as he skirted the willows, the ground beneath his paws damp but familiar. Pausing, he steadied his breathing, allowing the muted forest sounds to envelop him. The trees created a veil of shadows, concealing the black hound until they passed into his line of sight now.

Redrum's gaze followed them, a predatory intensity in his golden eyes. He prowled forward, his movements deliberate and controlled, despite the spasms that occasionally rippled through his limbs. He intended to remain hidden for a moment as he made a wide circle around the stranger, watching their every step, evaluating their intentions.

Finally, he stepped into view, his head low and his posture tense. “Hell-o.” He said, his voice halting and uneven. “Willows- nice.” His words were slow, each one carefully chosen as he fought to control his speech. He studied the stranger closely, this odd looking dog that looked like they had a purpose for being here, so close to his home. Trust was a rare commodity in these lands, and Redrum's instincts told him to be cautious, sometimes that meant he didn’t come off quite so friendly.

""

The dark hound's ears pricked to attention as a voice greeted them, clipped and halting. This wolf was larger than them, more imposing, and Morrigan's tail instinctively tucked further between their hind legs. Although they were instantly tense from the presence of a stranger, muscles poised like a flighty deer, he didn't immediately seem dangerous.

They dipped their head politely towards him, ears settling back against their long skull in a more relaxed yet submissive expression. "Hello," they said, sniffing in the red man's direction. A soft, wary smile graced their muzzle. "They are nice, yes...Um, if I may be so forward--...are you from around here?" Muscles in their haunches tensed once more as Morrigan prepared to flee if things went sideways; this wolf seemed unpredictable.

✧⎯ upon hallowed ground ⎯✧

Redrum's ears flicked at the sound of that voice, his golden eyes narrowing as he took in the stranger's submissive posture. He could see the tension in their muscles, the way their tail tucked instinctively between their legs. It was a stance he recognized well, a mixture of caution and wariness that spoke of instinctual will to live. But Redrum was no brutish killer.

He took a slow, deliberate step forward, his head tilting slightly as he considered their question. “Yes.” He replied, his speech uneven as he continued. “From- here.” He paused, his gaze intense but not unkind. “Insomnia is– my home. Not far.”

His muscles twitched involuntarily, a ripple running through his limbs, but he kept his posture as non-threatening as possible. Even though it was pretty redundant considering he was afflicted with a predatory gait and aura. “Willow-wolf?” He asked, his words slow and measured, each one chosen with care. “Redrum wonders- why willow-wolf is- here. In willows. So curious.”

Redrum's eyes never left the stranger, his caution evident in every movement. Trust was not easily given in these lands, and he remained on edge, ready to react if necessary. However, there was a flicker of curiosity in his gaze, a hint of something more than just suspicion.

""