As autumn drew ever slower to a close, Halcyon found himself not dreading the coming winter. Perhaps it was age as he wasn’t the young pup he had once been when the cold and snow almost claimed his life. Whatever the case, the russet wolf found himself smiling at the chilly pre-dawn light as puffs of steam rose from his nose. It had been a few weeks since he and Yami had returned to the forest to live and the pair had settled in nicely. Even now, he could year the young wolf snoring slightly within their cozy den. There was no point in waking the boy now. Best to let him sleep. Halcyon, on the other hand, felt restless. Stretching his limbs to wake them, he felt his stomach growl and knew, at once, what he was going to do that morning.

With a swift bite, the prairie dog’s life was ended. The wolf carried the plump creature to the small pile he had created consisting of two quail and another prairie dog. All in all, it was a good catch and was sure to be enough for him and Yami. The sun was only just starting to peek over the eastern horizon telling Halcyon it was time to return to the forest. With several bodies dangling from his jaws, he trotted through the field towards the distant trees. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a figure roaming in the corner of his eye. Turning, he spotted a dark wolfess standing alone in the morning light. She was almost as small as he was, he noticed. Curious, the copper wolf turned and trotted towards her, feeling in a good mood after the successful hunt.

Her ears swiveled first as she heard his pawsteps, then she spoke, her voice like crystal in the crisp air. He recognized her accent at once, remembering how many of the Diveenian wolves spoke in a similar speech. Stopping, Halcyon gently placed the prey at his feet, freeing his mouth to speak. ”Good morning, my lady. Just out hunting for my son and I on this beautiful morning. What brings you out here?” His ears were held forward as he waited for her reply, genuinely interested in what she was going to say.