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Normally, the onset of autumn would signal the pack to begin hunting in earnest. This would also be around the time of the annual fall festival, a joyous occasion where the whole of Elysium would participate in what was technically a glorified game of hide-and-seek, and something that Valeska really, really looked forward to.

Instead, they found themselves displaced from their home and scattered throughout the Highlands - with some even further south.

Valeska rummaged with her nose through the dry grasses, hoping to pick up the faintest scent of anything worth hunting in the vicinity. She'd already been at it for an hour or so, wandering the rolling hills and sparse woodlands as she vainly struggled to find something to eat; even a hare, a mouse...!

Nothing.

Not even a trace.

While the plague's impact had lessened with the descent of the mysterious fog, the prey issue seemed no less problematic. Valeska sighed, deciding to take a break as she gingerly sat back on her haunches, careful not to place too much pressure on the injury near the base of her tail given to her by Pinesprings. It should have healed by now, she grumbled inwardly; it was likely the plague that kept the wound from closing.

Miserable.