They were supposed to go back today, she refused to think of it as going home, and she was decidedly unexcited by the prospect. The time in Dead Empress Backwater had been much to brief for Apolline, and much too protected. She wanted to explore more, further, and to stay down here in the woods instead of going back up the mountain.

In that spirit, Apple had snuck out while everyone else was asleep, determined to have one last adventure before she was once more confined to the Cove. Heading west into the, as of yet unexplored, Cedarwood, she was delighted to come across running water, tawny tail wagging with excitement. Somehow, this particular stream had managed to defy the frost, trickling on between banks covered in snow. She simply had to follow it.

So consumed was she with this possible sign of the promised spring that she almost missed the other pup, standing by the water just up ahead. Coming to a screeching halt with only a few steps in between them, Apple’s waving tail stilled, eyes widening as she stared at the stranger. She’d not expected to run into anyone out here, least of all another pup – one who wasn’t part of the exchange – and one who looked like that. Her ears waved uncertainly, nose twitching to catch his scent as she asked bluntly: “Who are you?”

”Speech" Thoughts

Her breathing was fast from the almost-collision, nerves already on edge from the unexpected meeting. His retort only served to fluster her further, heat rising in her cheeks as she realized just how rude she must have come off. Yet, despite being clearly in the wrong, the last thing she was gonna do was back down, her voice mirroring the boy’s sass; “Oh well excuse me!”

He didn’t seem truly angry though, his posture fairly neutral as he studied her with bright green eyes. Apple did the same in return, almost unable to look away from the unusual patterns in his multi-colored coat. Only the eventual introduction made her tare her gaze away to meet his, a hint of a smile curling one corner of her mouth. “Claw?” She repeated, trying out the straight-forwards name, so different from what she was used to and an odd juxtaposition with his fancy fur. “I’m Apple.”

Much like the boy’s, her voice was much milder now, showing only her curiosity; “I didn’t know anyone else lived ‘round here…” She could only assume the other pup came from a pack somewhere nearby, one that had been kept secret from her for whatever reason the adults saw fit – they seemed to do those sort of things a lot – which of course, only made Claw that much more alluring.

”Speech" Thoughts

Claw took her back-talk without offense, her own smile growing stronger at his amusement. It was her luck that he’d decided to humor her because, had it come to a fight, she would have almost certainly lost. But now instead, she got a chance to get to know this strange and intriguing boy – so much more fascinating than the children of the Cove.

Her tail swished behind her as she studied him, oblivious to the confusing she’d caused until she saw his head tilt, her own mirroring him unconsciously. Caramel eyes narrowed a little at his apparent scorn, her tongue readying to lash back once again, but then he answered her question, and all animosity quickly evaporated.

Tawny brows shot high up her forehead, a deep furrow forming between them; What…? To the isolated Macieo, the idea that someone could live ‘not really anywhere’ was baffling. She knew vaguely about loners, though in her mind they were adults – old and sad and lonely – that another pup could be one was a completely new concept. “B… Why?” she couldn’t help but ask, fascinated and shocked all at once, leaning forwards slightly and speaking faster in her excitement; “You don’t have a pack? What about your mom? Or your dad?” A whole knew world was opening up to the privileged young girl, and she found herself both mildly scandalized and completely enthralled.

”Speech" Thoughts