ooc:
There were not triumphant howls for the victorious, nor a carpet of fine furs to grace the travel worn paws of the refined hunter. But there was the soft whisper of the wind and the gentle kiss of the soft grasses as she crossed onto familiar lands. This was a welcome appreciated by the Nomad on return from her hunt, rather than the extravagant welcomes the Evan'ules of the Nomads were known to receive. She hadn't understood then why such measures were taken, to pride the hunters, she imagined but still found the displays showy and unnecessary. It was enough to see the faces of her family and their smiles for her return, better that than endure the pomp for a mandatory part of life.
Though she had yet to see anyone on her return to the Valley, her face was still adorned in a smile. Her anticipation was on high and her spirits were just as peaked, carrying the fruits of her labors upon her shoulders and trailing behind her on a make-shift pull. The scent of meat had been a divine temptation along her journey but for the most part had remained untouched, saving the succulent interior for the family awaiting a hearty meal. Her muscles ached from the pull of the carcass and her shoulders slumped from the heavy weight of its hide, but still she pressed on wearing nothing but the look of satisfaction upon her face. Although she could not escape the reality that when she least expected it, the pain and strain she was meant to feel would come soon enough, rendering her useless for at least a day. But she was fine with that and truthfully looked forward to a day of rest.
But first... Family.
Though she was quite surprised not to see anyone as she tread the well travelled ground into the Wentworth. At the very least she had anticipated the pups, the smell of meat taking them from their hiding places ready to bombard her at a moment's notice. And in thinking of them, she thought of her dear friend as well. Surely her absence would have warranted his attention... or at the very least his worry. While it would have made sense to announce herself, she felt her throat grow tight with worry, making it useless when it was needed . He hadn't left... had he? The elated smile upon her lips quickly gave way to concern as that silent fear set in and dampened her mood. Her triumphant march slowed to a timid crawl, jerking the meat along as she felt her strength dwindling away til fear stilled her steps entirely.