Crius was new to this general area; he hadn't a clue of what packs claimed which territories in this vibrant land mass, and it would have been futile to check any scents as he was merely a newcomer in a foreign terrain. Tired, hungry, and a bit thirsty he had trailed a light stream up to a peaceful little river. He double checked behind himself to make sure no one was stalking him, as silly as it sounds he felt a tad paranoid as he knew no one nor did he have any idea where he was.
Bowing his head slowly he lapped up a few sips worth of water, being sure to check back between laps for possible threats, he appeared to be in the clear for the most part, so he decided to go back to his drink.
He was not the only one drawn to the river by thirst, though it was not thirst alone that guided the dark paws of the wolf. She was lured by the scent of water the same way man was drawn to the glow of fire; it provided for her the same benefits that the flame provided for the men who crouched before it: security, comfort, and life. She would not be able to explain it in poetic elegance, but she felt it powerfully, and was resolute in her way to never be too far from it. Even as she fled her home, she had took to water to break her trail and baffle the hounds that chased her.
Her nose was the first to make her aware of the presence of another, but it did not sway her intention to the reach the river bank. Onward she loped, but with the general wariness that a smart wild animal always had. Her eyes sought to confirm what her nose already knew, and soon she spotted a large male drinking. She made not a sound, neither intentionally by woofing nor by her paws as she approached the water, downstream from the other wolf. Suspecting nothing, she too bent her head to drink, but her gaze was cast sidelong to watch the one upriver.
As he finished getting his fill of water, a scent caught his nose, unmistakeably another wolf. He lifted his nose into the air and took a few quick sniffs, before turning to the newcomer. This was a pleasant surprise, finally someone who could tell him the lay of the land, unless they were new to the plain too, then they'd be new together atleast.
"Excuse me!" He bellowed at the stranger, though it was like an unconventional idea to up and call to a stranger, especially when you didn't know anything or anyone irregardless, he began trotting towards her smile on his face. "Hello!"
That the wolf moved did not immediately bother her, but that he suddenly bellowed at her and proceeded to trot in her direction did. Though there was nothing immediately threatening in his stance, Rionach was cautious by nature, and she swept herself further downstream, a distance of some several wolf lengths between her and the earthen male before she stopped and turned to quietly regard him. Her eyes searched his face and his body while one ear was swivelled forward and the other listened behind her. Her tail swayed lightly. She was curious, but wary.
He stopped once he began increasing the space between them, perhaps she didn't like being close and personal. Gingerly sitting down, trying not to come off as aggressive he began to speak once again. "Excuse me, um... I ain't mean to frighten ya. I'm Crius, and you are?" It was best if he gave an introduction, maybe then she'd realize that he didn't mean any harm.
He seemed to understand the error in his approach but rather than attempting to meet with her properly, he made to sit, though he did introduce himself. She would soon learn that this was common, acceptable behavior to the denizens of this area, but for her, it was a bit odd. It could be likened to walking tail-first; it was backwards to the customs with which she was familiar.
Uncertain of his way, she made no move to approach herself, holding her ground as she continued her quiet appraisal of him. She did not respond until after several moments of what was, for her, appropriate silence between two strangers. "Rionach," she answered him, though she still felt that this introduction was misplaced and only gave her name as an effort to engage with the male.
She thought to correct him, to tell him that she was not afraid, but she felt this was apparent in the language of her body. Fear was healthy, and nothing she would be ashamed to admit to feeling from time to time. But her caution and distance was one of the respect one predator had for another. To not respect the potential wits and fangs of another wolf was to be foolish indeed.
Since he made no move to greet her, she took the reigns and moved forward a few steps, sweeping her tail side to side gently and keeping her gaze away from his eyes and upon his entirety instead.
Ri-on-each, wolves, sure had some funny names in these parts, or at least the two he had met. Rio, would she mind if he called her Rio? Would it be awkward to ask? Eh, what's the worst that could happen. Well, she could attack him.., Breaking his thoughts he watched as the female made her way near him, he smiled wiry tail wagging, scattering the leaves under it.
He took a calm breath "So Ri-o-each, are you from around these parts?" he asked, keeping his face in an inviting smile; eyebrows unfurrowed. It was getting hotter, or at least, it was to him, so he let his tongue protrude from his mouth.
Her name is pronounced "ree - in - ock" actually! I'm just going to assume he said it correctly lol. Last post for me. :)
Perhaps had she not just been run from her home and chased by man and their dogs, the wary wolf might have been a little less unsettled by the mixed messages she was receiving from the male. Like a deer who had finally decided she had been looked on long enough, she quickly spun and bounded away. Her nimble form ducked and weaved down through the foliage with the streamlined grace of an efficient hunter, and she was gone.
I know, but he's a country bumpkin, and was just pronouncing it wrong.
"Bye!" He called, shrugging off the female. Now where was he? Oh yeah, drinking. Crius yawned and took a few more laps of water.