Sex: Female| Early morning sunshine cloaked the lands, adding the effect of miniature crystals glinting on the snow. With clear blue skies and a slight breeze, it promised to be a rather lovely, yet bitter November day. Just because of a little cold that wouldn't stop the Sellix female from going out and about and doing her own thing. For the last few weeks, she had been confined to Cut Rock River, where all sorts of things had been keeping her busy. First was the accident with Destin, then the meeting with Maksim and the female from Whisper Caverns. Lastly, was her very first time in dealing with the lone wolf who had come to the borders seeking a home. While she was happy to surround herself with all the comforts and security of home, even she needed to break free. To get out and explore...to see who, and what was out there. Being fairly new to the area in general, there was a great deal for her to see and investigate. So today, when she awoke shortly before dawn, she decided that she just couldn't put it off any longer. Back at the river, there weren't any pressing matters that would require her attendance, so she left knowing that she needn't feel guilty. Astra had ventured out a little further than she originally intended, but she didn't mind. It was still early yet, so there would be plenty of time later when she headed home again. For now, she would enjoy herself. Peaceful blankets of snow were abruptly disturbed, fluffy white powder sent flying in all directions as the lanky body of the wolf burrowed through it. Chunks clung to her golden fur, sprinkled upon her head and back carelessly in her enjoyment. None of it would reach her skin, for her coat was far too thick, resistant to the cold. Time was lost on her as she ran, getting her daily dose of morning exercise. The muscles in her legs burned from all the running, and soon her throat began to feel dry. Scrunching up her muzzle and narrowing her blue eyes, Astra slowed down to a steady stroll, searching. The area she had stopped in was fairly open, with only a minimal amount of trees dotting the horizon. It was empty and quiet, with no signs of other animals nearby. If there were other wolves around, then they weren't wandering in claimed lands. There were no scent markers anywhere nearby to indicate that this place was someone's home. A short distance away, there was a glimmer. Catching her eye, Astra moved closer. Soon she realized that what she had seen was a large lagoon, it's water frozen over from the chilly air. Stopping just short of the ice, she eased down into a crouch, peering at her reflection through the ice. Narrowing her eyes thoughtfully, she pawed at the hardened surface, intent on getting something to drink, and even seeing if some live fish still remained. But it was doubtful. |
For Hati the last couple weeks had been anything but pleasant, for they had been spent doing nothing but healing. Never in his five years had the river wolf been keen on staying still in one place, always ready for the adventure that traveling promised. With the bitter cold setting in, however, he had been forced to remain under shelter to hide his open wounds from freezing, but now they had nearly closed up and the temperature was no longer as painful, and this day was not as cold as some.
The black male took the opportunity to leave the Cedarwood Forest behind and meander south, to regions he had never encountered since the beginning of his life in Relic Lore. The snow and the ice made everything spectacularly beautiful; even the scarred and ugly ex-rogue could appreciate the glistening landscape before him. His pace was easy to avoid reopening his injuries, but it still did not take long for Hati to find himself far from Cut Rock River boundaries. New scents were all around him, teasing at the curiosity that ruled him since birth. Rabbit trails, the frozen excrement of wolves and other species alike long gone. Stories were told by the snow; of an attack on a mouse by a hawk plummeting from above, a young deer struggling to find nourishment. Hati paid little attention to most of the signs told by the season but kept on in a direct line.
It was then that a familiar scent registered in the scarred subordinate's mind—that of his alpha, Astra Sellix. What was she doing out here, he wondered. He was hesitant to follow her, but after doing so for a short time and stumbling upon her trail he couldn't resist. For over half an hour he let her scent guide him through the strange territory. The way she ran did not seem to be focused on one particular destination but rather on the journey itself and the excitement of finding new places. All the wolves that had traveled from Secret Falls were likely new to this area.
The scent became stronger and Hati knew that he was very close to the lead female of Cut Rock River. His eye roved the surrounding land, searching for her creamy pelt to stand out against the bright white of the snow. He spotted her slender figure scratching at a surface of ice, searching for food or water Hati did not know. But perhaps he could lend a paw. With this in mind he trotted forward, uttering a distorted grunt to reveal his presence as he came up behind her, and then stopped at her side. His body suggested friendly submission and in no way aggression. Hati's golden eye flickered towards the ice that now had several deep scratches, hoping that the alpha female would get his meaning.