"siarut?" the wolf that stands a mere dozen yards away seems familiar, but it's been a long while. it takes a moment longer before she is certain, and then a small smile light her features and the steps near, tail wagging easily at her hocks.
she'd never thought they'd meet like this, least of all the first time they'd crossed paths. it's been fraught with tensions; they'd both been leaders, then, intent on what was best for their respective packs. and then they'd lost that, and them, and now it seemed had they can another commonality. "it's been a long time," is all she can think to see immediately, though the gentle cant of her auds asks silently how he's been.
he settles on his haunches, and so does she, tail curled neatly as she surveys him. he's different than last time, somehow; perhaps it is the some new scar, some change in his coat, but something feels different about him. "I'm alright," she replies, smile still settled on her muzzle. "I've found my brother, and his kids—they're staying here too, and some more of my family lives at the emberwood, now." she wonders idly if there are more, perhaps, south of the mountains, or even beyond them. she does not think she's ever been that far, but it does not mean some wayward sibling has not.
"and you?" she queries gently, and then, "how long have you been here?" so much has come to pass since they'd last met, seeing him now reminds her of the chaos of the past year.