Always Searching [Forte]

The weather was just as pleasant as it had been the day before, when Fern had been dragged off, and the mood just a gloomy. All Placid had done since her pup's disappearance was sit by the den and stare into space, and Yiska had hardly been around at all.

Play was impossible.

Rune had not cared at first. He never played anyway. In fact, as yesterday afternoon had dragged past, he had found that he preferred this quiet, brooding mood that had engulfed the family to the usually rambunctious one. He could hear himself think this way.

But soon he realized that without the others entertaining him with their squabbles and mischief, he was as prone to boredom as they were, perhaps moreso since they were occupied with their grief.

Sure, it was sad that Fern was gone, but she hadn't been anything special. A few pups stood out as leaders, but Fern had certainly not been one. Rune would not grieve for a sheep.

So his boredom persisted until someone suggested they go explore in the forest. The pups, including the normally-passive Rune, glad of something to distract them from their dismal thoughts, murmured ascent. Rune was all ready to sneak away with the rest until Koda left to get Placid's permission. Rune sat up, confused and contemptuous. Did that kid really think she would allow her remaining pups to wander off after what happened yesterday? Rune waited in silence, shaking his head, but he stopped when he saw Placid nod. Dumbstruck, he stared. She had stopped caring, that was it.

He stood up and started to follow Koda.

Mica's mood was just as gray as the rest of the family, but for different reasons. She had grieved alongside her parents and siblings for her lost sister, but she reminded herself that life went on. The next morning she had gotten bored more quickly than any of them and had tried to raise their spirits so they could get back to playing, but the others were having none of it. Eventually she had given up.

Now it seemed they were tired of doing nothing too. She eagerly supported the idea to go explore, and seconds later they were trooping toward the woods on the other side, with Mica bounding along in front. "Come on, you lot, get moving! Adventure awaits!" It did not occur to her that she might appear heartless or unfeeling. She just wanted something to do.