Firestone Hot Springs lakes formed in the wolf's tracks

aditya, at first, had found the hot springs a novelty, something to marvel at. he had seen such things down south, but not this many grouped together all at once, with pools this large. now, though, it was merely another part of the landscape, the immediate territory surrounding morningside's claim.

he had been patrolling for hours and noticed his body was beginning to ache; the winter chill was settling in his bones, something that--although unaware of, for now--he would struggle with for the rest of his life. so adi sought the restorative properties of the pools, hoping to let the wet heat sink in well enough to feel somewhat better.

adi was just about to step into one of the little bodies of water when he noticed movement nearby, stepping cautiously among the pools. standing suddenly in wariness, and slight alarm, he sized up the man standing not so far from him. a big, white wolf--bigger than aditya--with a thick pelt and golden eyes. not someone he had seen before. and, judging by his scent. . .mercifully alone. for now.

with a chuff bridging the gap between warm and stern, aditya alerted the other to his presence, waiting for the snowy-furred man to make the next move.