OOC here!

Spring would be here soon. Despite the layer of snow weighing down the branches of the thicket's crowded trees, and the air so cold it stole her breath, Harper could sense the changing season. This winter was the longest she had yet faced, and the only one that had truly threatened her life. It had left her hungry and weak, shoulder blades and hipbones sharply visible beneath her thick fur. But the chocolate she wolf knew it would not be long before the snow melted and life returned to the world. Maybe only another month.

Harper just hoped she could survive until then. It was a wonder that she had lasted this long, when before she had always had others to rely on for food and safety. Some nights she fell asleep unsure whether she would wake up with the sun again. But just when she believed that all of her strength had been sapped from her, she found the energy to keep moving. At times the only thing Harp could fully understand was simply walking forward.

Harper slid down to sit, resting her small thin shoulder against a tree trunk. The forest she found herself in was beautiful, even in the dull gray shades of winter. She could not imagine what it looked like during the warm season. A sigh slipped from her maw, a swirling, pale vapor. Her body trembled sightly with weakness as a hunger pang strangled her from her belly to her throat. She would have to get up soon and continue toward the pack she had been tracking, but a short rest would be all right. Before she realized it, the small female slumped down to the earth, her face between her paws, the shock of bright blue disappearing as her eyelids fluttered shut.

Harper had not expected to fall asleep, or even to lie down. Then again, she had never been in such a pathetic state. Too hungry, heartbroken, lost and exhausted to know what she was doing half the time. Suddenly a harsh noise was pulling her out of an uncomfortably light sleep, followed by an irritated, female voice.

Harp's eyes opened slowly. She peered up at the pretty, pale she-wolf who stood above her, her scent like that of the nearby pack. Harper realized that she had made a mistake, possibly a terrible one. Her ears pinned back against her head and she stood slowly, keeping her body slightly crouched to ensure that she stood lower than the other female, and tucked her tail tightly against her emaciated belly. She had not meant to trespass, she should have been more aware of her proximity to this forest pack. But there was nothing she could do about that now.

I am sorry, miss, said Harper. I didn't intend to come too close to your borders. My name is Harper Saeda... I was going to call for someone, before... before I fell asleep. She blinked slowly, taking silent deep breaths through her nose to steady her nerves. Still, she continued to tremble, anxious and afraid. Perhaps the pale-furred female would laugh at her, turn her away, even kill her. No pack could handle more members in this weather. But Harper had nothing left to lose.

sounds good to me. :) sorry about the ew post.

Aware that she was groveling, Harper was happy to relax, though her ears still touched her head, tail hanging limply at her heels. She was embarrassed of her overly submissive display. It had caused the still-nameless female to look away from her, after all.

The other woman seemed to soften ever so slightly. It was not in her tone, but in her demeanor so that Harper just barely took notice. She did not like being pitied, but in her ill health she must have the appearance of an oversized, starved rat, and it was probably difficult for any but the coldest individuals, not to feel just a bit sorry for her.

The pale she wolf offered her a chance to explain why she needed a pack, and what skills she could bring. The questions came as statements, but Harper caught on to their meaning and she was eager to answer, her blue eyes brightening, excited.

Yes, she began. I have been alone for many weeks. I'm a hunter, that is why I survived for so long. Even so, she should have passed away by now, taken by the winter, but she kept this opinion to herself. If your pack accepts me, miss, I will happily hunt for you. And do whatever else is needed. Her ears lifted slightly, eager for a response.