Visitors weren't uncommon in the slightest. Many Xunari travelling trough the Fungal Forest could use a rest stop- and the colony was always more than happy to provide. Under the assumption that visitors behave, of course.

Woodland supposed that that was why these two Xunari were here too- a black Tsabhua called Trace and a green Tark'ee who went by Levi. The two had been sitting Woodland's favourite spot- a small picnic table she had built herself, in the perfect spot to read her books at mid-day.

She had debated about it for a while, but ultimately decided to stop worrying about it and just ask to take a seat. The two seemed quite friendly, even though a bit distant. She supposed it was fair, with them never having met before. The conversation was mostly pleasant, although Woodland easily picked up on some tension between the two other Xunari.

Woodland could see something moving along one of the upper levels of the colony's main set of walkways- and stiffened when she saw the small grey whelp lock eyes with her. Howl was, in no way, a bad kid. But still had a knack for finding trouble wherever she went. She could see the whelp's grin even from far away, and sighed when the kid instantly *bolted* down the walkways, heading straight for her and the two visitors.

Woodland looked over at the Trace and Levi, who were quietly bickering over- *something* from their end of the table. "Ah-" she tried to speak up, to warn the two of the impending chaos, but neither seemed to pay her much attention, much too caught up in their conversation.

Howl eventually did arrive at the table, barely able to peer over the edge of the surface to the strangers. She seemed content on just watching for now, to the relief of Woodland. Trace and Levi were still immersed in their conversation- which was starting to become more like an argument, completely oblivious to the young whelp's presence.

It was when a mischievous smile started to form on Howl's face that Woodland felt it was time to intervene. She cleared her throat loudly, finally catching the attention of the two squabbling visitors.

“Uh, guys,” she began, nodding awkwardly towards Howl, “we’ve got some company.”

Trace’s icy blue eyes flickered towards Howl, and a look of confusion crossed his face. Levi, on the other hand, seemed to recognize the mischievous gleam in Howl’s eyes instantly. She leaned back slightly, giving Howl a wary look.

“Well, hello there,” Levi said cautiously, her green scales catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the netting above. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Howl,” the whelp replied, her voice having a suspiciously innocent tone to it. Yup, Woodland thought to herself, kid was definitely plotting something. “What are you talking about?”

Before either visitor could respond, Howl’s attention shifted to the basket on the table, trying to use their distraction as the opportunity to strike. Woodland saw where this was going and quickly moved to intercept, but Howl was faster. The whelp's tiny claws reached out and snatched a piece of fruit from the basket.

“Howl!” Woodland exclaimed, exasperation evident in her voice. “That’s not yours.”

The whelps weren't really supposed to just snack on things randomly to begin with, since their caretakers worked hard to feed them a healthy diet, but this basket didn't belong to their colony at all. Levi and Trace had brought it along, likely having gathered it themselves while in the region.

Howl looked up at Woodland with wide, innocent eyes. “I was just hungry,” she said, nibbling on the fruit. Trace let out a chuckle, while Levi shook her head, a small unsure smile playing on her lips.

“It’s okay,” Trace said, his tone amused. “She’s just a kid. Let her have it.”

Woodland sighed and sat down, feeling a bit defeated but also relieved that Trace and Levi didn’t seem to mind. She was glad it wasn't much trouble. It was only one fruit, after all. She couldn’t help but smile a little at Howl’s antics. The whelp had a way of lightening the mood, even if it was at the expense of some fruit. Still, she frowned a little.

"She's not supposed to steal. We've been trying to teach her not to just take stuff." Woodland explained, giving Howl a stern look. The whelp seemed unfazed, continuing to nibble on the fruit with a satisfied grin.

Trace nodded in agreement, his earlier amusement fading, catching onto what Woodland was saying. "Howl, it's important to ask before taking something that doesn't belong to you."

Levi leaned forward, her eyes serious but not unkind. "If you want something, you should always ask first. It shows respect for others."

Howl's ears drooped slightly, and she looked genuinely remorseful. "I'm sorry. I just saw the fruit and it looked so tasty... I didn't think."

Woodland put a comforting hand on Howl's shoulder. "It's okay to make mistakes, Howl. What's important is that you learn from them."

The whelp nodded, looking up at Levi and Trace. "I'm sorry. I won't do it again."

Levi smiled, her expression softening somewhat. "It's alright, Howl. Just remember to ask next time you want something."

Trace added, "And if you're ever really hungry, you can always find someone. I'm sure they'll share with you."

With the scolding over, the group settled back into a more relaxed atmosphere. Woodland felt a sense of relief, glad that the situation had been resolved without any hard feelings. She was sure Howl would learn eventually, although maybe today's lesson wouldn't quite sink in just yet. They spent the rest of the afternoon talking and laughing, sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows from the many mushrooms casting long shadows across the forest floor, Levi and Trace started preparing to head back home. The visit had been extended way too long already, the two having stayed far longer than they had originally planned.

As they all prepared to part ways, Levi turned to Woodland. "Thank you for your hospitality. It's been a real pleasure meeting you guys."

Howl grinned, her earlier remorse forgotten in the excitement of the day. "Thanks for the fruit!"

Woodland laughed. "Take care, you two. Safe travels."

As Trace and Levi disappeared into the forest, Woodland and Howl stood side by side, watching them go.

"Come on, Howl," Woodland said, turning back towards the colony, a guiding hand on the whelp's back. "Let's get you home. I think that's been enough adventure for the day."