After a long day of travelling on a fairly flat terrain, I gladly collapse on the ground. The grass is tall with the constant sunlight and the ground slightly damp with the light rain. Glancing around I survey the area once more before shedding my clothes and letting my skin give way to fur.

Shaking out my pelt, I lift my head above the grass. It brushes along my sides, as I pick up my bag in my jaws. The straps feel strange and I try my best to hold it loose, not wanting to get holes in it.

In the distance I can see the mountains and behind me I can still make out the outline of the forest. The direction I'm headed is slightly off from the way Everett and I came. If I could, I would escape deep into the mountains, only coming down when the weather got too harsh, or I needed to trade for something. However, Lua Lupa would never allow that. She would never let me get away without paying my dues. One choice, one mistake brought me down this dark path.

I keep walking until daylight turns to dusk. In that time, between the sun and the moon the world is darker. The wind blows the same, but the atmosphere slowly shifts. I craftly make my way along the plains, listening for the small critters that thrive in this environment.

There doesn't seem to be any rocks that I can squeeze between for the night, so I have to settle for a small dip in the ground. It's just a small indent, that is big enough for me to curl up in, with the plants and bushes blocking me from site.

Putting my things down, I swivel my ears. All may seem quiet, but a whole new world is awakening with the twinkling stars.

New prey and new predators.

A prickle of distress comes through the mindlink. It's potent, but I shake it off. I have to ignore it. It is like an itch, persistent, demanding an answer, but I have nothing to give.

Leaping forward, snapping my jaws around a small critter. Shaking my head, I hear its neck snap out of place; it goes limp. A thick warm liquid drips down my muzzle, some of it coating my teeth.

Trotting back, retracing my scent I drop it onto the ground. Walking in a circle, I claw at the ground trying to temporarily ingrain my scent. Nothing seem to be around, but I don't want to risk anything. Besides, the scent wall should help keep any large predators from coming too close. Though they may tangle with a wild wolf but not many animals in the area would purposefully go out seeking trouble with a shifter. They know something is different.

Settling down I rip into the flesh of the small animal. Eating around the fur, I try and zone out. Small bones snapping, blood and internal organs all go down. My stomach is full, but thinking too much makes me queasy. However, it's better than being hungry all the time and Lily likes it as well. Who am I to deny her this pleasure that she rarely gets.

Resting my paws on my head, I look before me. Small bugs walk the earth, but an onrush of feelings slam into me, causing my head to jerk up.

It takes all my will to keep the mindlink closed. Speaking to him would only confuse the pup further, he needs to get used to living with Litae and Iket without my presence. He was so happy with them, and he spent so much time at their place, but still he clung to me. It makes me confused, but Lily just accepts it as the way things are—how it works.

The sorrow is almost overwhelming as it engulfs me in a cloud. A low whimper escapes my lips, as I think of Everett's tear stained face. He has switched guardians three times. Though he may not remember who he was with before me, it still isn't easy, and he has acclimated amazingly.

If I were in my skin I would have tears trickling down my cheeks. Instead I retreat into a deeper part of my mind, letting Lily take the lead.

I watch as Lily lifts her head to the sky and howls. A low mournful sound, that raises in pitch. The sound disperses through the area, but the only pack I know of in the area is the Canee pack and they are too far away to hear it.

She looks to the sky, weaving out story into a melody that she pours into the night. All the truths of what we did, and how we feel come tumbling out. Our tale isn't a nice one, for we have made so many mistakes, so many wrong moves. But it is our life, and it is our past, that has now created what our future is becoming.

The leaves rustle in the low winds, the grass swaying gently. Everything is so peaceful, yet internally there is turmoil and chaos. Everything is clashing, everything I ever knew, everything I ever wanted. It's like growing up in a black and white world, only to realize there are so many other colours. It is so overwhelming, as you try and process all you see.

I'm tired of being held down by the bonds of expectations. The restraint and standards that my parents and my pack held me to. Why should I care? A feeling bubbles up. A hot, heated anger or maybe frustration. It crawls along my skin, and the world erupts in an even bright, new light. It's blinding or simply removing the blindfold I was wearing.

Nothing seem to be solely black and white. The world is full of bright and wonderful colours, they litter the ground, the skies, and the waters. Though the black and white thoughts still try and creep in, I like this world of colour. I like the new found freedom.

As the revelation simmer down, my heart still hurts as Everett's feelings wash through the link well into the night. Only when the moon reached its highest point, it fades; he must have fallen asleep. Cautiously touch the link, I wait a while longer. My tail flicks slowly and curl up swiveling my ears towards any movement. I step into control and Lily moves back to give me space. She understands that I need this.

As soon as I am confident that he is in a deep sleep I slide into the link whispering, 'Goodnight, my lovely Inkaer. Live life and never be afraid. We will meet again one day. Until then, I will always be in your heart.'