It seemed like it was a probationary period. In a way, you could say it was my temporary home. Although I'd been born there in the first place, that didn't automatically give me a green light to call this place mine. While I was tip-toeing in the land, I had found my mother's old den, still as large and spacious as it had been when I was a babe, it had taken a little to clean it out. Twigs and stones, dead bugs, ect had accumulated in the space. A few bones had fallen in on occasion, and thus, I spent a few days cleaning. While I'd been at it, I had scattered random herbs in the den, lifting the spirits of the place.

I was curious how Royce's meeting had gone with his sister, or more exact, if the meeting had ever taken place. His words to me when I'd helped patch him up had been the kick in the ass I'd needed to come home. I was being a coward though. I knew if Royce was here he'd tell me the exact same thing. I had yet to find my siblings. The fear of the unknown with them was all too real right now. I knew eventually I'd get the kick in the ass to speak to them, but today was not that day. I sat outside the den, I'd just stashed my satchel in the back beneath a pile of fern leaves. They'd provide adequate shelter if the snow came early and heavy. I planned on using it to block the entrance of the den should I need too.

I dreaded the idea of seeing him, only because then I'd have to admit I've been too cowardly to do what I planned on doing. I wasn't sure what this whole friendship with Royce would bring me, but so far, it'd been the right kick in the ass I'd needed to do what I'd been too afraid of all these years. I only hoped I was of some benefit for him, whether or not I was useful to him was unknown to me. Sure, I'd aided him when his imprint had attacked, I'd staunched the bleeding and helped make sure no infection set in, along with taking the edge off of whatever pain he'd had. But aside from that, I wasn't sure what good I was to him. Sad right? I'd been without friends and family for so long that I'd forgotten that no matter what everyone had a use for someone.

I jerked my head upright, a sound catching on the air, one that beckoned me. I moved, casting one glance back at the den. The sound did not ring out as one in need of healing, so leaving the satchel was a smart idea, for now, I hoped. Almost a sanguine expectation. I only wished that I'd not live to regret that decision. I moved easily, my small frame taking the distance as I broke into a slow run. I stopped, almost abruptly as I caught Royce's scent, and the sound had finally registered as familiar. It'd been some time since I had to try to figure out a sound from a distance, thus not being able to recognize his voice off the top of my head.

I let a smile play at my lips as I finished closing the distance between me and the ruddy colored male. I stopped, my smile turning into a lopsided grin. "Hey there stranger."