The den’s outer shelter lies quiet beneath tangled roots. Ricayu rests among the young wolves while the adult female packmate watches over the recovering pups, and Corven keeps watch near the ridge path.
A mud-streaked man stumbles from the trees. Marek is a young adult with a lean build, wind-chapped skin, tangled dark hair, and a torn brown tunic; one arm is clutched against his chest, blood darkening the sleeve.
The adult female packmate moves between Marek and the resting pups, shoulders broad and fur raised. The pack scents the air, finding blood, mud, and fear, but no immediate pursuer.
Marek
Please! Do not send me away. Armed men abandoned me near the road. They may return, and they will find this den if I remain outside.
Marek looks back toward the trees again, stumbling against a root before catching himself. His breath comes raggedly, and his uninjured hand lifts in a helpless plea.
adult female wolf-like packmate
Stay where you are. You will not approach the young. Tell us how many men followed, and whether they saw your trail.
Corven emerges from the ridge shadows, altered ears fixed toward the forest. The pups press closer together as the adult wolves form a guarded half-circle around Marek and await Ricayu’s response.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the den safe from Marek's pursuers