Tithe

Large, steel clad body stretched to its fullest extent within the spacious confines of his cave den. As much as the man loved moving around the mountains, exploring the peaks, and traveling the trails of the foothills, he could not deny the quiet comfort of his own home. Secluded from the easier to traverse cliffs of the mountains he had found a collection of large rocks that had moved to create an almost closed entrance, difficult to spot from most angles. Once he had found it he had spent a season digging out the soft dirt that had settled itself in the crevices. He had chosen it specifically for its space, and its challenge to locate. Even one who loved the world around him needed a place for himself. It was here he could smile, and play with the knuckle bones he had saved. Even quietly watch the bats he had managed to house in the den. With a smile, and a wag of his tail, he yipped his farewell to the night hunters and padded out of his sanctuary and back into the light of the autumn evening.

With every movement he made back along the trails he seemed to regain his solid composure. The silly smile was replaced by his guarded small grin, the pleasure and happiness only seen in his eyes. The ease of his muscles, though still relaxed, became ready and attentive. Instinctively he donned his mantle. Breathing deep, he followed the scent of another he wishes to speak to.

The shift in power had seemed smooth. He understood a break and disillusionment of those who followed one leader over another. He understood the fear of having your position taken from you and the work you put in come to nothing. He sought a wolf who had been working for a position under Roman and was eager to learn from her what she wanted to become in the pack. The red girl’s scent was faint, her presence in the mountain still new. He wondered if she had found herself a den to rest in yes.

Narrowing her location down, he sighed to himself and lifted his voice into the air, calling for Gaia, inviting her to speak with him. Or at least letting him know where she was and if he may go and speak to her.