The pair had travelled for a while in silence, gathering an understanding of one another through the most basic of acts; he would turn when she ushered him, speed up as she did, and in tandem they ran. Eventually though, the younger beast began to tire. He had only rested for a brief spell atop the mountain, and since the climb down - where he met the brutish woman, his new Queen, Naira - his body had begun to deteriorate. The fatigue gradually set in, and the tawny woman left him to his own devices. She had things to do, and Gale was not eager to slow her down; although, he felt a pang of regret as he watched her figure vanish betwixt the dark trees. So much for being a proper knight. The young man was given his leave so that he could gather strength, and the pair agreed to meet up again later.
And so here he was, alone again. The edge of the forest gave way, and the scent of fresh water caught his attention. The pale wolf wandered, his strides lazy and lethargic, until he came upon the large lagoon. It's water was pristine - as if never before touched - and the liquid reflected the grey sky perfectly. For a moment the boy's tired eyes could not discern where one ended, and the other began. It was illusory, but it was beautiful regardless. With a dip of his muzzle towards the surface, Gale spied upon the water's edge; he did not drink yet, for fear that perhaps the water itself was cursed. What beauty could this be? Untouched by wind or snow or even ice, with a perfected mimicry of the clouds held within; he was sceptical, but also very thirsty. After a momentary pause to consider things, Gale took the risk - he could have a cursed tongue for all of eternity, for all he cared. The pink muscle slid out from his lips as he began to gorge upon the water, tasting it's perfection, and relishing in it's chill.