The harsh terrain she had trekked through had her relieved at the discovery of this, oasis, it seemed. The heaviness that had lingered in her chest was lifted, maybe a meal waited for her in this valley.
Even if her spirits had just lifted, the scent of others was present and the fur along her spine had raised unwillingly. Perhaps this haven was a home, and just as the thought was fresh in her mind, the behemoth of a man had graced her line of sight. Her gaze rested steadily on him. She figured she should be afraid of his sheer size and demeanor but something about him was enticing. Marsali didn't know if his presence alone would make trouble for her, considering she was a trespasser here and even unsure if her sweet talking could get her out of this.
❝Hello,❞ She said, second guessing her decision to greet him.
She a took a few small steps forward, waiting for any sort of reaction while leaving a comfortable space between them.
Marsali allowed silence to linger after his words. He was stern, confident, it seemed. A brow quirked as he stared her down. While nervousness resided in her gut, she believed she could flee if needed.
❝I thought my luck securing a meal would be better here, but It seems I've found myself in the Hildibrandr.❞ Marsali's expression was still rather blank as her head slightly cocked sideways, looking him over again.
❝You can refer to me as Marsali if you'd like, rather than stranger.❞ She paused again, a subtle smile over her face.
❝Might I know the name of this sentinel?❞ Marsali nodded her head towards him, requesting to pair a name to this rather vigilant wolf.
The russet woman rested back on her haunches to hide the raise of the fur along her spine, still holding his fiery gaze. Her tail stirred the foliage beneath her, but it slowed to a stop as she awaited an answer. Perhaps sitting down was a mistake, she would prefer not to offend him with her lax front. Despite her composed speech and appearance, she was not.
He was wary, she had noted that, but he had reason to be. Here in the Hildibrandr, she was a stranger.
❝Could have fooled me.❞ Her response dipped into laughter before straightening out.
This stranger was indeed protective of this land, and did not lack the size or demeanor to be taken seriously. It was quiet again as she thought over a response, the intensity of his gaze made it hard to look him in the eye but she continued to do so.
❝And again darling, my intentions here have no malice. The mountains surrounding this land have not proven hospitable.❞
The fur that had pricked along her spine had began to smooth out, she may have been reading this wolf wrong, but she didn't believe she was in immediate danger. The ebony beast even responded to her banter with his own.