Firestone Hot Springs here's the truth

@August

The hot springs provided a certain relief to Forrest's throbbing muscles. Her body gave a slight initial protest as she settled into the warm water and allowed it to well up around her. She sighed a sound filled with pleasure and allowed herself the time to relax; it's something that she needed, to say the least.

Thoughts were constantly running throughout her mind during the day — Is this where I'm supposed to be? Will things work out this time? — but being blank and at peace, all of her earthly concerns had disappeared.

Her golden lithe figure moved slowly, as if hesitant of her own steps. Winter, she did not like it - it was easier, perhaps, to rely on others. Maybe she should have joined a pack, but the maiden could not bring herself to do as such. Too many wolves, too many males, specifically, and it was unsettling enough to see them around lone but to have to live with them, that she could not bear. No, too many bad memories sprung to mind when her gaze drifted unwillingly to a male.

That was why she walked alone, small body almost invisible along the horizon, just wandering. For after all, she had no place to go. Her golden gaze swept across the land as she padded across it, halting immediately when a distant figure came into sight by the hot springs. Go, leave. Yes, that is what she wanted to do. She knew how much of a mistake it always seem to be when she ran into strangers, and yet her paws didn't want to move. No, not now. She hated this constant anxiety, the fear that wove its way up her legs and plunged into her heart like deadly vines. 

But still she could not bring herself to flee.

There had always been a legend that the women born into the Evergreen line could sense the condition of life around them. They always knew what those around them were feeling, be it pain or restlessness, disappointment or anger; it was part of the reason why they made such good medics. So when Forrest looked up and felt the anxiety leak from the stranger into the hot springs, she knew that something was wrong. She chirped a birdlike sound to garner the young elf's attention, then gave clear signs of submission to silently say, I don't want to hurt you. 

Hey, girl? she called out, then waited for a response.

Once more, just like before, she was spotted. August's body tensed as she waited for the angry, snapping jaws to lunge at her and bellow that she leave. But that did not happen... rather, the voice that reached her was one of gentleness and the other woman showed the signs of submission, signs that she herself had opted to showing, tail tucking feebly between her legs.

It was a greeting that reached her ears, and the maiden was hesitant still for a moment. After a few nervous heartbeats, she finally spoke up, but her sweet voice was shaky and not confident in the slightest - it was a voice rarely used, for it was uncommon that she opened her mouth to speak. Most of her communication was in body language alone, her only drive being to follow orders. But she had nobody to order her around at the moment. "Ah... h-hello, m...miss."

Forrest sucked her teeth and made a sound along the lines of Bless her. No need for formalities, she called to the girl with a sigh before motioning her forward, You can call me Forrest. Miss Forrest if you really must. In truth, she hated being called by the latter; when parents made their kids refer to her as Miss, it made her realize just how quickly time was catching up with her. And what do they call you?

Take a step in. It's too cold for you to not take a break. If the girl didn't want to share a pool, there were plenty close enough for there to be space while the conversation continued.

She stood frozen, ears perked atop her head in a manner of curiousity. Perhaps this woman was not as much of a threat as she first assumed - though she also knew that not everyone was truly how they acted. Forrest, that was her name. After a few moments of silent hesitation, she ducked her head in a polite nod and took a deep breath. "August," The name felt almost foreign to her own tongue but still she knew it was hers. She had no wish to change it, content with whatever anybody called her. For example, Declan, the brute, he had nicknamed her little mouse.

She was offered a place closer to the other and although still she was anxious, this wolfess seemed kind enough. Besides, she was not one to disobey. The maiden padded slowly forward, then dipped her nose to sniff just above the pool with a whuff. She had never been in one of these, but curious enough the water seemed to be warm. Hot, even. Taking more slow steps, she entered the same pool, eyes widening slightly at the warmth. This was... nice.

"Forrest.... Is a nice name..." She did not often talk, but luckily enough for her this other wolf was female. If it had been male, then she would likely not have even said a word.

August's hesitation was noted but not acknowledged; it seemed to go away on its own without much coaxing from Forrest. It was clear that she still held some form of anxiety, but it wasn't something that needed to be inquired upon. Comfortability wasn't always immediate, and Forrest knew that.

So is August, she replied with a wide grin, I had an aunt named May. She was just the sweetest thing anyone had ever seen. Forrest took a moment to reminisce about the days with her aunt learning about things she could never have imagined having such an impact on her life. 

There was a moment of silence as Forrest scanned August's frame for any signs of injury or abuse; most of the young women and men who she had met with a disposition as offputting as this had a good reason for it. Why are you alone? It's dead cold outside. You don't have a pack missing you?

May was an interesting name, and one she quite liked - it was pretty. And it seemed the wolfess it belonged to was sweet as well, which left a good impression in August's mind, despite her never having met the one being spoken of. The girl nodded slightly, ears perked forward as she listened.

Then the conversation was switched back to herself, and she shifted on her paws. Why are you alone? There were many reasons... but how to explain? She didn't exactly feel up to giving away her entire life story, especially not the days of her youth in that dreadful pack. "I... don't... have anyone... who would miss me..." D-Declan? No, even he would not miss her for sure. He was intimidating and seemed to have claimed her for himself, but still his presence was familiar enough for her to almost long for it. He was scary, yes, but not a complete stranger. Conan had not been seen for a long time. That left... Lotte? But Lotte was gone too - the only one she felt truly comfortable around. She was not here, and so August was alone.

There seemed to be more behind the statement, but Forrest decided not to press. Her nose twitched and her ears fell back a quarter while she thought about how to respond. Sometimes she felt the same way; it was a difficult to live, always being on the move. She could only hope that she'd made a big enough impact on someone's life for them to wonder where she slept at night.

There's someone who thinks about you, she assured August, even if only in passing. Once they separated, Forrest would make sure to add the girl to her prayers; she was sure that without the good wishes of someone else, she would have never made it as far as she did. Now that she was old, she didn't care much about what happened that day or the next, but August was still young. She deserved better.

She appreciated the lack of the woman's pressing upon the details of her past, and so she simply listened with ears tipped forward as the same woman spoke. Her attempts at reassuring the girl, although she was thankful for such, went unbelieved. For only her mother had cared, but her mother was dead. Her father most likely still lead his ghastly pack but she had no wish to think about him. Nobody cared about her, not anymore. She did not approach strangers, she had no friends to rely on - since Lotte was not here anymore - and no family who wish to see her. Not a pack to socialise with, either. But she could not say she would want to even if given the opportunity - as socialising was not her strong point. Too much pressure to say the right thing. Even in this situation, she was slightly anxious still. Pups were a different story - she found the presence of youngsters far more comforting than that of adults.

But she remained, for this woman seemed nice enough to talk without commanding anything of her. August supposed she might have been too anxious to leave anyway, fear that she might be chased down a lingering thought in the back of her mind - then again, she knew it was silly. This woman had no reason to chase her.

She simply ducked her head in a slight nod. She did not believe the words, but accepted the kindness from them regardless. "...W-What about you?" She inquired after a few moments of silence.

Forrest gave a gentle laugh and settled further into the spring. The heat was doing something for her old, rickety joints, and though she was grateful now, she knew that the moment she stepped from this pool, her body would loudly proclaim its dissatisfaction. I think about myself, Forrest told the girl, I've learned not to depend on the thoughts and concerns of someone else. That being said, there happen to be a lot of folks who I've come across in my life. I think it's their prayers that've kept me alive this long, truth be told.

August looked young. Not like a child, no, but young enough to know the strain of inexperience. However, Forrest could already tell that she would age would make her into a proper sage with more than enough stories to last a lifetime. The thought brought a smile onto her maw and drew words from her mouth. I'll pray for you August. I think you've made an impact on my life. All of the young women I've met have.

Edit: Forrest gave an apologetic smile then as the two began to part ways. Inwardly, she hoped that they might meet again, but even if it was not meant to be, she would always remember the troubled sylph.