Donoma had just crossed into the periphery of the protected islet, soused in river water that was saturated down to her underfur. It wouldn't have been such a bother if the weather hadn't been turning bitter, grey clouds slowly accumulating within the once-clear sky. Giving her coat a thorough shake, Donoma was able to rid her pelt of the remaining droplets that'd been clinging to the ends of her guard hairs, dispersing water every-which-way.
Suddenly, she bit her lip and paused. She hadn't been thinking. The area in which she'd decided to dry off was surrounded in foliage, which had taken the impact of the water that'd sprayed from her fur. It ricocheted off the leaves, creating a rather loud series of rapid patters that echoed through the encompassing woodland. Freezing, Donoma swiveled her ears tentatively, allowing her gaze to flit quickly through the surrounding trees, searching; listening, for anything or anyone who might've heard.
Her ears perked as they took note of an odd sound off to her right she couldn't put her finger on. She lifted her head, ears swiveling to listen for any more sounds. They didn't pick up anything else of interest, but her nose did. The scent of another female wafted into her sensitive nostrils.
There was always that small wave of anxiety when strangers were around, as you never knew their intentions, but Sapphira didn't feel overly concerned. She was just minding her own business, and this place was not claimed, as far as she could tell. So, she went back to what she was doing: examining the flora. To her slight disappointment, though, she hadn't found anything out of the ordinary... yet.
No aggressive canine came plowing through the verdure, and no jay took perch above her and began to crow. Donoma sighed softly in relief, allowing herself to relax. Nonetheless, the bitch remained vaguely alert, as she was upwind and wouldn't be able to scent an approaching wolf. The zephyr that danced between the trees smelled of pogonia and dew, forcing the last of the tension in her breast to dissipate.
Donoma abruptly realized that there was a better chance of her getting mauled by a lone wolf if she surprised them than if they already knew she was in the area, and though she knew that this portion of land was uninhabited by a pack, that didn't necessarily mean that there wasn't one close by that she may accidentally run into. Weighing her options, the female rested on the decision to let her presence be known, taking a deep breath.
Lifting her muzzle skyward, Donoma parted her jaws to release a long, low howl that emanated throughout the forest and traveled across the rivers. Concluding her melodic announcement, the she-wolf caught her breath, murmuring to herself. That should do it.
Sapphira was surprised to hear a howl, head shooting up from her observations. From the direction it came from, it seemed like the same female again. Her instincts urged her to howl back, and it felt like the reasonable thing to do, so she lifted her snout to the air and howled back. Her voice carried through the trees and beyond the rivers surrounding her. Finally, she sealed her lips and brought her head back down. That felt pretty damn good, actually.
Ah, what the hell. She'd go and see who this stranger was. She needed more friends around these parts. Since the other woman had been so kind as to announce her own presence, Sapphira's worries had largely left her. So, she moved at a steady clip, trotting along through the foliage.
Donoma was pleased to hear a response, and the fact that it came from a lone female only added to her satisfaction. She was relieved that she didn't have to confront a single male, nor a pack of males. Those typically didn't go as smoothly. Allowing her tongue to loll as she ambled through the greenery, the she-wolf went in the direction of the stranger, ignoring the mud that adhered to her paws and matted the fur between her toes.
Not soon after her initial departure from the riverside, Donoma heard the distant pawsteps of her company approaching through the timberland. Lowering her head in anticipation of the meeting, Donoma made sure not to appear threatening, hiding her teeth beneath her lips.
Soon enough, the silver agouti came into view. She was thin and didn't smell like a pack wolf, just like herself. In a way, it was comforting that they were in the same situation. Sapphira slowed to a stop and offered her a smile. Hello,
She greeted. What brings you here?
The other wolf likely had very different reasons from herself, so she was genuinely curious—not to mention conversational.
I'm simply searching for something to eat, and perhaps a bit of company. Also, I must say, you're the first wolf I've met here, and I'm delighted that you've not yet tried to tear my throat out.
she chuckled half-heartedly in response, looking up at the slate-colored female. Oh dear, have I strayed onto your land? I didn't smell any markers, but then again, you have the rill marking your borders.
Donoma inquired worriedly, eyes widening slightly in concern.
I feel the same,
Sapphira agreed with a small chuckle, also pleased that she would not have he throat torn out. She, too, was happy to have some friendly company. The other woman asked if this were her land, and she shook her head. No, I just discovered this place, myself. It piqued my curiosity,
Sapphira answered, drawing her gaze deeper into the forest. She looked back at the other wolf as she remembered her manners. Ah, I'm Sapphira. It's nice to meet you.
A smile crept onto her face, and her tail gave a slight wave behind her.
I'm Donoma. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
She offered a relaxed grin, her tail settling into a rhythmic sway. Are you from around here?
Donoma decided to ask, tilting her head gently to the side.
Ah, that's quite alright. Any help is welcome, and I'm sure that your ability exceeds what you claim.
Donoma smiled, squinting amiably at Sapphira. Would you be open to fishing? I spotted a hover of brook trout upstream in the Westward river.
she inquired, rotating her ears in the direction of the brook.
No worries! I've been away for quite a while at a convention, so I'm super sorry you've had to wait this long for me. Also, when Donoma says "dimprint", she's referring to shadows.
It's really quite simple once you've grown accustomed to it. Only one thing really matters- don't startle the fish. With noise, shadows, anything. Patience is definitely a must, but the reward of a fat trout is most certainly worth it.
Donoma grinned, panting as she kept pace with her newfound companion.
As the crisp scent of freshwater and riverside mire wafted into her nostrils, the wolfess knew they were approaching the stream. Don't let your dimprint fall over the water, it'll spook the trout,
the she-wolf paused at the treeline, narrowing her eyes at the fish-spotted surface. and whisper. Silence is essential for a successful hunt, whether landborne, littoral or maritime.
she added, wriggling her hindquarters in anticipation of the hunt.
With circumspect precision, Donoma flattened herself against the river's verge, approaching the water with high steps vaguely akin to those of a stalking feline. The wolfess used her snout to push aside the tall grasses bordering the bank, glabella creased in concentration in spite of the silt collecting on the delicate white hairs of her underbelly.
Memorize the positions of the fish closest to you,
Donoma murmured, her voice barely audible above the soft gurgling of the steam, and on my mark, we charge. Be ready to bite, and chase if need be. Try to anticipate your target's next moves, and be wary of their slippery scales. Also, it may be hard, but try your best not to get distracted once the shoal begins to panic. They will move every-which-way, like a bevy of startled sparrows.
she concluded, impressed with Sapphira's attentiveness.
Movements equally chaotic upon bursting through the hedgeline, Donoma plunged her head beneath the surface, maw snapping shut — but missing her quarry. However, in the same moment the trout fled her ivory snare, a second surged forward in the panic to take its place. Lifting her head, Donoma breathed heavily through her nostrils as she splayed her forelegs, trying to keep her balance as the fish thrashed between her jaws. Though this one was noticeably smaller in comparison to the trout she'd intended to catch, it was still large enough to serve as a meal for the doublet.
Tightening her grip around its slick scales, the female thrashed loudly back to the shore, dropping the fish far enough from the water's edge that it wouldn't be able to writhe away with any success. There!
she panted, shuddering to relieve some of the wetness from her fur.
Sorry this is so short!!
A bite to the back of the head is the quickest and easiest way. Would you like to give it a try?
Donoma enquired, gesturing toward the fish with a gentle wave of her forepaw. It might seem a bit daunting, but it'd be great practice.
the agouti female added, sitting down atop the smooth shore silt.
You don't have to apologize, dear. You did that wonderfully. Of course, I'd love to share, but there's really no need for repayment.
Donoma chuckled, trying to ease any apprehension that her companion might hold. Leaning down, the female began to rip at the pebbly hide encasing the flesh inside, spitting the scales aside as she tore through the slick barrier.