Graceful, lean and confident. She felt her lips curl up in a smile as she overlooked the creek, bemusement flashing in her features before she looked back to the ebony wolf. “How cute,” she preened with a wide grin, giving her pelt a gentle shake. “You gave us matching names.”

She was about to make a quip about how he failed her name test though – after all, he forgot to mention beautiful, but she didn’t want to leave the other with the impression she was flirting with him. At least not during such a sensitive time of the year. “I would also respond to Lekalta,” she mused, seeing as he had at least offered his real name, she figured she owed him the same.

“So, where are you headed?” The topic drifted – one she hoped to gain more neutrality, but she was rather enjoying the gentle banter of the stoical beast before her. At least it helped take her mind off the disappointment she would likely receive when she finally made it back to the Surge’s borders.

She tipped her head in recognition to his compliment of her name, not commenting further on their little game as she allowed it to drift to the wayside. Settling down on her haunches, the honeyed Baranski continued to study her newfound companion, her brows lifting up at the mention he had nowhere to really go. As expected, the question turned to her, and she lifted her slender shoulders in a gentle shrug.

“Driftwood Surge, if they’ll take me back. It’s in the north.” She didn’t bother to explain why they might not accept her back – but nor did she hide the fact. “You’re welcome to check it out for yourself, if you’d like,” she offered, flicking him a small smile. It might not look good if she brought a man back with her, but she remained innocent in terms of breeding season. Surely they would figure that out.

It was a question that caused her pause, and she studied him, her features sobering as well. What would she do if Lachesis and Lilya turned her away? She shook her muzzle slowly, considering what her options would be then. “West of the mountain,” she decided in that moment, knowing full well what she would do if her family decided that her alone time meant she was unworthy to return home to them – she would become her own, and seek to grow something more. But surely Lachesis wouldn't do such a thing.

And from the sounds of it, she had found a friend in the ebony wolf before her. “I guess I should be on my way, TDB. Wish me luck?” Arching a brow lightly, she cast another smirk to the swarthy wolf, her muzzle canting. “And see you soon.” Or at least, she hoped she would. With renewed energy after the casual conversation, the honeyed she-wolf would continue her way back north -- back to the wolves she believed to be home.