i don't think i've ever been this rusty ;-;
Newly dispersed and painfully dissatisfied with his current lot in life, the Austere wolf had come to this territory during the witching hour and found a small split in the side of the mountain to shelter in. He slept, but not soundly, and every sudden noise throughout the night disturbed him.
As dawnlight began to inch its way into the dank hovel he had chosen for a bed, he gave up on his attempt to recuperate and left the hole in the wall without a thought of returning. He padded -- directionless -- through the woods that hugged the mountain's base, and tried not to think about the absence he felt sorely at his side. Vortigern had never been this alone, not for more than a few hours anyway, and regret gnawed at him constantly for not turning back to the Towers the second his brother had left this mortal coil.
Even now, he felt the emotion bubbling up inside him, so he closed himself off to any thought except for the smell of water, as he made way for a nearing river.
yakone lingered at the river's edge, contemplating her travels and her own life of solitude. it was comparable to her journey to vargas island in many ways — but this time was different in many ways, too. she had no destination, no end of the road in sight.
but strangers roamed these lands, and she often found solace in those momentary interactions. as if summoned, one such moment materialized. a dark stranger, a wolf much larger than herself, trekking toward the river. he seemed as alone as she was. yakone relaxed her sudden tension into a more neutral posture and woofed softly, tail swaying uncertainly behind her. was he friend, or foe?
His stride was set -- determined to reach the river -- and had a bid for his attention not sounded, the wolf likely would have missed the slim flash of white before him until he was practically on top of her. Vortigern paused, raising his head and pressing his ears forward until his gaze settled on the wolf that had called out to him.
From afar, he appraised her with open suspicion, though it took but a second to determine that she meant him no harm. And despite his smoothly severe countenance, he meant her no harm either.
Not yet.
He moved forward once more, slower than before, leaving his posture curious without appearing overly confident. Though he may have had her in size, he was wise enough to know that her teeth could be just as strong as his. I greet you,
he said in a low voice, as solemnly as a vow. His tail wagged with a steady strum, inviting her closer.