Geneva could do without the rain. She still recalled the stormy summer weather all too vividly. It was not something that she had enjoyed very much. With her smaller stature and thin frame, she got cold very easily and had trouble warming up. Still, despite her deep dislike of this kind of weather, the sub-leader attended to her duties. She had started her morning as she usually did, patrolling the borders of Phoenix Valley. It was her first priority more than ever to make certain that this pack was safe.
Only a few days ago, her dear friend had delivered a little of four pups. She still recalled the whispers of their new breaths echoing in the peaceful stillness of Naniko's cabin. Their bodies were so small, fragile. It was a mystery to Geneva how they all came into the world so small and somehow were able to survive all the challenges of nature, of time. It took a village to raise a child, and Geneva would do her part, whatever it took, to make sure that those children grew into adulthood with their health and happiness intact.
She had made it to the halfway point by noon. The storm clouds were low in the sky today, heavy with rain. It showed no sign of letting up or stopping. Geneva decided that she would only go a little farther before she turned back to attend to matters at the ranch. She was dripping wet, and had her hands were tucked into the crooks of her elbows, arms crossed over her chest as she tried to derive some warmth for herself.
The Savant was glad that she had decided to go just a little farther, because there was someone waiting at the borders. She approached with confidence, despite the stranger's larger size. "Stranger, what do you se--" As she moved closer, the words died in her throat. Her hands dropped limp at her sides as she crept closer, her voice small, a choked whisper of shock. "Hendrix?" She didn't dare believe it.