Scroungers

Lore

Leaves crash to the ground with a gentle nudge as the wind blows harder. I can smell it; feel it. We mustn't stay here. It isn't safe. Looking over my shoulder, I howl, "Foward!" and a group of ragged-looking wolves follow my lead. Each adorns their unique battle scars to tell their tales. Some are heroic, others are downright evil. We make our way across the land, through plains and grasslands, tundras, and hilltops. We look like mere specks compared to the distance we'd traveled. You could tell by the looks on their faces too; They were exhausted. Beaten and pushed to their limits living on the brink of death. But eventually, we made it. We, a group of scraggly misfits had made what it seemed halfway across the world.

The cascade of paw steps stopped, snapping the noise in half. Every wolf small and large stood still, in Awe of the land before them. A massive lake, clear and shimmering reflecting in the light. Suddenly all sorts of sounds were unleashed. Yowls, barks, groans, yips, you name it. One wolf in particular turned to face me. "Vulture, we can't can go any further- we'll turn against each other, maybe even leave!" His lips saged, drooping into a pessimistic frown. He looked around, surveying the group of weary travelers. Craning my head, I looked at the large lake surrounded by lush greenery. With a sigh, I nodded. "I suppose you're right. Maybe we could set up camp here for the time being. After all, I don't smell any others, and it looks relatively safe," He looked hesitant but didn't dare argue. He barked and lead the others out to the lake. Home; Even if it was temporary, we'd found it. I'd found it, and kept us safe.

Watching my pack, group if you will, I felt a strange rush of pride crawl up my spine. I smiled and crouched to the ground, curling my paws under my chest. Sitting there in the ferns, being bathed in the sunlight. I let my thoughts wander. Would this be our forever home? Our refuge? Who knows, I thought to myself. Only time would tell, and for no,w time was slipping away with the setting sun. I rose to my paws triumphantly, and every head turned in my direction. Craning my nose to the sky, I let out a howl. It was long and low, filled with joy and pride. Soon, the other joined me, and the night was filled with the cheers of happy wolves with full bellies. Yes, I smiled. This was it. This was home.