Once again she had snuck away. Though this time she had not gone so far. After a year of life her confidence had grown bigger than she was, and she felt as though her sense of adventure could rise to meet it. A year under Maverick’s care and guidance she had become something. Though what exactly she was, she had yet to really find out. Keen green eyes shined from her white face, shadowed only just by the brown patches that covered them. She looked out at her marshy world with a healthy curiosity, but also a deep sense of belonging. In her many (secretive) wanderings she had come to call this place her home and belong to the land that had both almost killed her and had saved her. The problem was she had not ventured so far as to meet others of the pack. She loved Maverick, hated to disappoint or worry him. Therefore her ventures had been covert. Whenever another adult came too close she would duck away; her grey, brown, and black coat usually allowing her to blend fairly well with mixed muted terrains. All that would have given her away were the vibrant forest eyes and the twitching white tip of her tail. Now she felt as though she could truly explore the world. She was old enough to follow trails, stalk prey, and even fend for herself. If Maverick got huffy, she would merely point out to him how much she had grown. Simple as that.

Today she was following a trail that permeated thickly through Iromar. It was one of the most prevalent smells that covered the trails. If there was anything that was truly a part of Iromar, it was this scent. Pine had come across it a number of times in her poking around, but never to any avail. Now she walked with her nose to the ground, determined to figure out what, or who, this was. She trailed deeper into the heart of the packland. Scents of various others started to thicken on the more worn trails. Pine’s eyes narrowed, a soft growl coming from her lips in frustration. Her teeth clenched, and her pace slowed, determined to stay locked on her target.

Nose took her to the mouth of a den heavy with the scent she had followed, coupled with that of a male and something new and squalling. Not thinking entirely clearly, the small girl slipped into the den and was met with the sight of a new mother and her children. Never being a real part of a family it took her a minute to realize what she had walked in on.

Eyes widened in mild panic.Shit! Sorry! Turning tail she scrambled out of the den, and hopefully any snapping teeth. She did not get far, and plopped herself just outside of the entrance. Far enough she could see an attack coming, but close enough to still be considered incredibly rude. Her head tilted, nose poked forward and sniffing furiously. She clearly did not really fear for her safety, she smelled enough of Big Wolf to really not be concerned and desperately wanted to know who this woman was. Who smelled of Iromar, and made Iromar smell of her.