Wolf RPG - time leads you far and wide

@Yama

Walking. It’s such a simple thing to most beasts of the earth, not even significant enough to be second thought. But of course it had much more importance to the wandering naturalist. It's a way he is able to see this wonderful earth and what it has to offer. It's thrilling. It's freeing. But it's more than that now. There was a melancholy feeling to it under the surface. It came to be that way only a few months ago when he left his dear friend. Oh Elias, the poor soul. Not a day went by without him regretting his decision. But he had no choice! The friends lived to different lives that neither could adapt to. He couldn't stay cooped up in that little wood. The world was his home.

Elliot was an expert at finding hidden gems in the earth. When he came across a seemingly impassable wall, he was dead set on finding some concealed entrance. And that he did. A narrow entrance led him to paradise. Glittering snow blanketed the earth. A stream bubbled beneath ice. Elliot approached the bank and looked at his distorted reflection.

Accustomed to fear, she was unsurprised by the building dread beneath her breast; each step deepened the already sinking sensation she was experiencing, insisting she turn away and head home. Yet, at the same time, she found herself unable to do so—determination was a surprisingly worthy opponent, easily matching and then overpowering her fear. Every nagging voice that hoped she might turn tail and return to the safety of the mountain faded until they were hardly above a whisper, lacking any true grip on her; she wondered what her family might think, should they learn of her brief journey south. Would they be proud of her for finally finding some proper footing in this merciless world they lived? Perhaps they may be upset with her instead—after all, how many of her family never returned after leaving Moonspear behind?

Descending into the wintry sanctuary, her steps grew hesitant; was it really wise of her to wander so far? Swallowing hard, she tried with all her might to rid herself of any negative feelings—but for as strong as her determination was just a second ago, it was suddenly fading in equal measures to its development. Licking her lips nervously, Yama ignored the growing discomfort in the pit of her stomach and proceeded.

But, ah, who is that?

Nearing the frosted stream, it didn’t take her long to notice that she was not alone. A chill raced down her spine and she puffed up, fur standing straight up in every direction (the return of the cotton ball!). “I-I’m sorry,” she rushed out, averting her gaze. “Do you live h-here? I didn’t mean to intrude.” A flicker, a flash—her sister rushing forward, an unwelcome boy pinned beneath her; the suddenness of the image startled her, appearing in intervals each time she blinked. Would she experience the same, should this be the stranger’s home?

Seeing the sheet of ice triggered pleasant memories that bought a sad smile to his face. He and his friend used to skate across ice just like this, casting aside any anxieties that may come of it. He'd done it by himself before, but it was much more exciting with someone else. And now look at him; plagued by those times, never wanting to cross the ice alone again. He simply dismissed this as common sense. The water wasn't frozen over just yet after all.

Elliot places a paw on the surface, watching the cracks take shape. If he could not fly across it, then he may as well take a drink. The sudden break of silence startled him and sent his leg flying outwards. Thank god he was able to regain footing and leap away from the bank, otherwise he'd end up under the now broken ice. Now who was the one responsible for giving him a fright. He turned to see a woman and on that puffed-up pelt clung the scents of many. The fur on his neck rose slightly.

Her question was registered quite slowly, but when he did he chuckled. Oh, no no. I live nowhere and everywhere. There was an underlying warning to his statement. I will not seek a home anywhere. Not again. So please don't ask.

Elliot wasn’t comfortable with the focus being on homes, so he quickly switched the subject. Why does your voice quiver? Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you.

The girl’s eyes grew wide as the male’s leg shot forward, her muscles tensing up as the panic set in. Something told her to reach out, to offer help—but he righted himself before she could muster up the courage to do so, and she instead released a sigh of relief. “Sorry!” she exclaimed once he seemed together. “I d-didn’t mean to startle you.” She was just glad he wasn’t currently underwater—she wasn’t sure what she would do if things took a different a course.

Luckily, he didn’t seem too upset, or at least she assumed he wasn’t based on the chuckle that came before his words. And in response to those: “Oh…” Without a home but also with many; it sounded lonely. But his tone kept her from questioning it any further—it seemed the subject wasn’t one he felt like discussing. So the topic shifted, except it wasn’t to one that she was particularly fond of.

“It—!” A pause. “It does—doesn’t quiver.” Defiance or denial, that was up to him to decide.

I assure you it does. He chuckled softly in an attempt to lighten the mood. But if it bothers you I won't inquire further. If he were to spend a little time with the girl, he'd rather not go back and forth on such a simple, obvious thing not focus on anything involving him. Whenever there was a new face willing to give him the time of day, he fancied getting to know their stories. They were all just so interesting to him.

So what brings you to this little patch of the world?