Naia was already traveling through the lagoon when she picked up the scents of two packmates that she hadn’t been able to formally meet yet. By their smells she had an idea of their ages and standing in the pack hierarchy, but anything else about the pair was a mystery to the tawny lady. Judging from the speed and direction of the wind, the two were still nearby. Testing the air every now and then, she loped toward her packmates’ position with an energetic spring in her step. It was certainly a dreary day, but it would take more than a little mist to dampen Naia’s spirits. As the shadowy pair came into view, she announced her presence with a chipper bark. Nearing the pair of dark wolves, she slowed to a trot as the closed the rest of the distance to where they stood.

”I haven’t met you two yet, but we’re family, no?” she asked, a brilliant grin spreading across her face. ”I’m Naia—very pleased to finally meet the two of you.” As she waited for them to introduce themselves, she realized with a slight sinking feeling that her companions didn’t seem to share her upbeat attitude. Never mind, she reassured herself. The bitter winter days tended to run together in a way that felt monotonous and depressing to even a happy-go-lucky wolf like Naia. It was no wonder they both looked a little somber. I have an idea that will cheer them up…

”Why don’t you two come with me? I was on my way to my favorite spot.” She tilted her head hopefully, her spirit lifted by the idea that she might have some companionship while visiting the lagoon this time. Unlike most Cut Rock River wolves, she came to the lagoon often when she needed a break from her everyday routine. She found the tangy scent blowing in from the nearby marsh appealing, and the lagoon always felt slightly warmer to her than the rest of Relic, perhaps due to its low attitude. ”You’re going to love it,” she promised, delight glowing behind her amber eyes in a puppyish way. She tilted her head in an invitation for them to follow.

She waited for either member of the dark duo to introduce themselves, but they both perpetuated the odd silence even as Naia gave an encouraging wag of her tail. The older male had nodded in a sort of taciturn way, accepting her greeting with an air of finality that left Naia with the impression that he was comfortable with their meeting but didn’t intend on speaking at all. One the other hand, Naia was feeling some slightly hostile vibes from his female companion. Did I interrupt something…? Naia wondered. Who really knew what went on in the turbulent mind of a yearling—perhaps she had a thing for this man, and Naia had invaded her space. Ladies her age were often angsty, especially this close to the breeding season. Old enough to feel the pull of hormones but too young to breed, a woman’s second winter was often a frustrating one.

Another wolf joined them, thankfully breaking the silence as she greeted the group with her name and a submissive nod toward Naia. Naia accepted her act of deference with a friendly smile, indicating subtly to the creamy lady that this was a casual interaction. It did not even occur to her to try to prompt submission from the omega girl. As a yearling and not to mention the Lowest, she was likely barred from challenging for a higher rank until Maksim said otherwise. In Naia’s mind, it was only necessary for members of Cut Rock River’s ranked hierarchy to play out the formal shows of dominance and submission, since in essence those were the only positions actually in question.

”Of course!” Naia welcomed the newcomer, excited that she seemed to share Naia’s enthusiasm for new friends and exploration. ”This way!” She barked, taking off for the lagoon at a lope. It was a fair distance away, but as pack wolves they were all fed well enough to make the journey. Though she had been taken aback at the hesitancy in the dark wolves’ greetings, her troubles melted away as her paws pounded against the frozen terrain. Jack and Jill—she had taken the liberty of naming them since they hadn’t named themselves—were following, as was the lady who had called herself Anneliese.

After an exhilarating run, the group arrived at the frozen shore of the brilliant iridescent lagoon. It was gleaming in all its icy glory, and Naia took that as invitation enough to charge out onto its icy surface. As her paws hit the slick ice, her momentum carried her several wolfslengths out onto the frozen lake even as she braced her legs to stop herself. Giggling, she turned to look back at her companions, wagging her tail for them to join her. ”It’s fun!” she promised with a bark, and as she said it a front paw slipped out from under her. ”Oof!” she expelled as her shoulder hit the ice, but instantly she was laughing at her own newfound clumsiness. Hopefully this silly game was enough to thaw even Jill’s icy demeanor. As she slipped around, she noticed little claw marks in the ice that no doubt belonged to wolves younger than they. It looked like some pups had also been playing on the ice recently, and Naia smiled inwardly as she imagined the scene. She looked back toward the shore expectantly, waiting for someone to skate out to join her.