It was unclear if she had been gone for so long, or simply lost in the shadows. Her body had thinned from eating nothing but the mice and rats that had come across her path. Grey coat had become dusty and dull. The once shimmering silver guard hairs made her look greyer and pale. Though she could not see it, the only blessing that would have been placed on her was the blood red mask that covered her face had become just as dusty. No one would see her bloodstained maw.

It had been years since she had walked in the world of others. She had embraced her destiny as an outsider, but even destiny seemed to reject her companionship and had once again hurled her back into the world. Her body shivered as she stepped from the shadows of the Grotto and made her way into the summer suns. Instantly the heat touched her pelt and warmed her. It was strange and new in comparison to the cold damp of the caves. At first breath she could not tell if she liked it or not. Her red eyes lifted to the sky. The sun entered her two toned irises drank deep the light, she could feel her soul lift. With a soft whine she continued her stroll uncertainly. The rivers and creeks had run through the Grotto. Running water brought her comfort, so she followed them as they cut through the ground. Her paws splashed in the shallows, a small smile starting to tug at her lips. It was the smaller, simple joys that could ease a mind.

In the crags, the loner found more comfort in the breaks of shadows and light. Still the water flowed around her, singing to her in its trickling voice. The sun had made its own travel across the sky and dusk was soon to embrace the world. She knew she could not make it back to the Grotto by nightfall. She exhaled to herself and jumped onto a rock that was still bathed in the setting sun. She curled up, tucking her nose under her tail. Secretly enjoying the last remaining light of the day, the woman bathed in it, hoping she would vanish into rocks so she could continue to enjoy her solitude.