The girl and wolf came to the forest after fleeing the canyon. It didn't take much to frighten Mahala. But mostly, she was very shy. She continued further into the trees. She carried a small bow and some arrows, along with a knife.

Yareli was close beside her, ready to defend her if needed.

The American black bear picked up on the scent of the two. He slowly made his way to them, nose to the ground. "Greetings, wolf and human. Is there something you would like?" He asked in a friendly way.

Yareli bowed. "We only wish to stay here a while. We need safety." She said. Mahala watched while her wolf friend handled the situation.

War Song nodded. "You may stay. I will see that you are protected. I am War Song, alpha of this pack." He replied, staying close to them. He did not know what the danger was. Though it may be a threat to his pack, he decided that it wasn't his business.

Saguaro soon returned and stood in front of her alpha. "We have an alliance with the Aspen Grove pack." She said. War Song nodded and pointed to the newcomers with his nose. "See that these two have a place to stay." He ordered. Saguaro chomped her jaws together and walked to a thick group of trees with a clearing in the center. "You two can stay in here. It's shielded from the elements fairly well." She informed.

Mahala and Yareli followed the Javelina. The human didn't know what the animals were saying, but she knew quite well what they meant. They walked into the clearing and sat down. Yareli wagged her tail. "Thanks for letting us stay." She said happily. "It is my pleasure." Saguaro replied. She sat down just outside of the clearing.