[WSUCougar]

Despite their advancing age, Puli had long ago trained his ears to see for him. On many occasions since he had left Cross-Kir they had done just that, hearing sounds that forewarned him of things his eyes would not have caught until perhaps too late. Seeing the reaction of Lord Pelspin’s captain had thus prompted Puli to attune his senses to the grove…seeing, listening, smelling, and feeling the elements. He was thus not surprised whatsoever when the Wemic ranger emerged to greet them.

He had never seen such a creature before, though he’d heard tell of them and Lord Pelspin had made reference to him being a part of the quest. His first impulse was to label it a “beast” but the old monk quickly tossed that mentally aside. Clearly this was more than mere beast. With a humble dip of his head he acknowledged the latest addition to their group.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As the wemic emerged Vasheliave visibly relaxed. He sent a small wave toward the newcomer as if welcoming a familiar face, and then moved toward the pack horses and began unbuckling some of their cargo.