Moonshade doesn’t expect anyone to come to him. The forest has stood eerily silent for so long now that any opposition would be a fool's errand. Yet he cannot simply shake the edge out of his skin as the light faded from the world that summer afternoon. That feeling that something bad might happen at any moment. Life never seemed to go his way. But any opposition to his plan would be brutally matched with his jaws, to say the least. No one seemed to care that he was hurting inside, so did he owe this world the same consideration?

He had found a small thicket, just on the border of the forest where he had spent most of the afternoon trying to build a makeshift den. While keeping his golden gaze on the distant horizon of course. His shelter was flimsy at best, but it would do him nicely for a few nights. Just a few more days, and then he can finally call himself something important. He tosses and turns, unable to get comfortable under his shabby structure. His dark fur is fluffed out against the nipping breeze as it blows through the meadows. Perhaps he should leave this job to the older or more experienced wolves, he makes a mental note while pulling out a branch from under his stomach.

The young male was used to being alone. Scratching idly behind his ear he wonders if it will feel strange having a place to call home again. And hopefully a family to build and call his own in the near future. He pauses mid scratch, hind leg awkwardly suspended in the air above his back. Did he just see something out there through the grass?

Slowly and silently he creeps out of the bushes that he was camping in. It’s a female, and she’s carrying something in her mouth. He watches with intense fascination as she saunters past the stale borderline and goes deeper into the territory. Clearly she was excited about something. Well that was interesting. Did she not smell him? Or did she simply not care that he was there? He tilts his head in confusion. Does she live here? Or was she simply another visitor? He turns his head to the emerald leaves dancing above his head. What other secrets and surprises do you hold for me, Taviora?

Moonshade is desperate to follow her, to find out what has brought her here. What was she carrying so gently in her jaws? Could it be a mother with a nursing puppy? He paws at the dirt while he ponders on the situation at hand and his options further. I cannot break my promise. I do not want to threaten her sanctuary. She has a right to be here, as do all of us. Think, think, think, idea! With haste he trots into the neighbouring fields. Not much time pases before he follows her winding trail between the trunks and deep into the forest. Carrying his own package between his teeth.

He knows very well that he shouldn’t have followed her. But he had to know who she was. It wasn’t hard to find her. She’s not making her actions subtle in the slightest. Slowly and carefully Moonshade leaves his gift on the forest floor. It was a dead rabbit, freshly caught might he add, and a small collection of flowers from the local fields. Females liked getting nice flowers, right? Wasn’t that the correct thing to do? And also, who would say no to free food? He takes one last longing look at the tasty morsel before he retreats to a safe distance. He doesn’t want to make the lady feel trapped and cornered. Moonshade wanted to make her feel welcome here, even if she doesn’t intend to stay for long.

She probably hasn’t heard him standing out here. To be honest, she either doesn’t know or doesn’t care that the leadership was currently in dispute. In a low register he howls in her direction, just for a few seconds to get her attention and make his presence known. He then barks and yips cheerfully. His yellow eyes glow warmly in the dim light. His black tail swings idly behind him in greeting. If she shows her face he will point to the rabbit and the modest bouquet with his nose. Hopefully, that will make it clear that it was a gift and it was intended for her. Maybe he could help her excavate this old den, it looked like a pretty big job for one wolf to handle by themself.