Uma had heard many tales of the sea bearing many interesting creatures, but nothing could have prepared her for the reality of it. These creatures were far beyond the realm of "interesting," they were downright "bizarre", along with a generous quantity of "disgusting". Large blobs of blubber covered in brown fur lounged upon the rocks; there must have been hundreds of them. The sounds they made were unbelievably irritating, and oh, the smell... The smell was obscene. She did not think she had ever smelled anything so foul, not even death or feces -- or both of these, combined.

The ivory she-wolf stood at least one hundred feet away from the immense gathering of Sea Lions, yet their odor and their noise were so strong from her current location that she could not imagine being any closer. Her curiosity, however, just barely took precedence over her revulsion, and she stayed where she was, perched upon a smooth, flat boulder, her tail tucked neatly around her snowy paws and her face frozen in an expression of utter horror. 

As she watched, she learned more about the obese creatures. They seemed to operate under a harem of sorts, for she could see the difference in the genders, the males much larger and much uglier than the females. It caused her to wonder if they were sentient beings, like wolves; and if so, she further questioned how they could live with themselves, being the lazy, odiferous animals that they were. One of the males could feed an entire wolf pack for a week, and being comprised mostly of fat, she guessed that  the flesh would taste fairly good too. But no one in their right mind would think to go near the lions.

A voice tore her from her studies, and she turned her head to watch the girl's approach. With her variegated coat of grey hues, she was a lovely young woman, therefore Uma offered her a small smile and a curt dip of her muzzle in greeting. She scooted over to the side, allowing room on the rock for the other female to join her if she so wished. I could not agree more, my dear. It's a little fucked up, uttered the snowy wolf.

I am Uma.

Interesting name. Her magenta gaze softened. I like it. Names had always been a subject of interest to Uma, and while she wanted to press the girl on how she had earned such a name, she kept her mouth shut on the matter. It was in part because the greyscale wolfess had more to say, but also because Uma had other things she wished to talk about, and the direction of their conversation would determine just what those things would be.

She grinned at the foul-mouthed question, already growing fond of the girl named "Feint."    With a slight shake of her head, she explained herself. No, I came upon this unfortunate scene accidentally. And now, I cannot seem to look away. A soft snicker followed, along with a tilt of her head as she thought of the next question.

That's an interesting thought... she trailed. I suppose it could be some kind of evoluntionary advantage. Do you think so? Uma threw a sideways glance upon the other.

The young she-wolf's presence was a welcome distraction from the abhorrent aromas assauting her nostrils, and her stomach ceased its churning. You're right, she agreed, and with that, the subject of the sea lions was brought to an end, Feint smoothly shifting into curiosity about her, instead.

My "story" is none of your concern, sweetheart, said Uma, bluntly, patronizing the small wolf. It was true that the girl acted younger than she likely was, apparent in her mannerisms as well as in her general attitude. Didn't she know that asking about one's past was rude? The Andrews woman suddenly  wondered if, by her question, Feint meant what had brought Uma to this particular spot, on this day — rather than asking about her entire past — and thus the snowy wolf regretted snapping at her. But, there was nothing to be done about it now, so Uma continued gracefully and without apology. Never missing a beat.

I'm exploring while I search for my friend, Indie. I'm a stranger to these lands, she explained. She made no comment on the ass-kicking, aware that this comment had been derived from the obvious smattering of scars throughout Uma's body. Some of the scars, she was proud of, and others she was ashamed of. However, she was insecure about them all, knowing vainly that they lessened her beauty.

What about you? What brings you to this foul-smelling place today?

Feint did not give a very diffinitive answer, but Uma accepted it nevertheless with a nod of her head. Just lost? Well, I know the feeling well. She remembered feeling lost at different points in her life, particularly when she was younger, more around this young woman's age. But, Hell, she was lost now, too. The Merry-Andrews gang had been falling apart of late, and she had contributed by leaving, herself. 

I assume, then, that you don't belong to any pack? she asked, motivated by nothing more than curiosity. She could not detect in Feint's pelt the symbol held by all pack wolves: the thickly varied scents of many individuals. Either the girl had no pack, or she belonged to a very small one. Indie is a dear friend. She left our... pack, before I did, and I have to find her. The snowy woman held concern for the ink-stained Indie. She had to know that her friend was all right.

Uma listened to the boastful answer she was given. It took all of her strength not to shake her head and lay into the girl regarding the dangers of a solitary life. Feint's prideful tone betrayed her, exposing just how young and naive she was. The porcelain doll's maternal instinct brought sadness to her magenta eyes as they swept over the Feint's spindly frame, her sharp hipbones. Alas, nothing she could say would have any sway over the young woman's decisions, but she could not bring herself to say absolutely nothing. You should find one. Bluntly spoken, it would have to suffice.

Uma shook her head regarding Indie, her eyes following Feint's, together gazing at the sea lions. It's more complex than that, honey, she said. Indie believed she had done wrong, and so she fled out of shame. I need to tell her that she did nothing wrong. That is why I must find her. There was a soft pleading quality to her voice. She spared the details, just in case the silvered girl came across Indie during her spectacular loner travels. It was not kind to share other's business with strangers. Especially those whom Uma cared about.

Feint was so full of life and energy. She was strong-willed and overflowing with confidence, qualities that Uma always appreciated seeing in young women. She emitted a short chime of laughter. I suppose you're right. I thought I'd never be able to stop staring at that abomination, but I must. 

And with that, the snowy wolf got to her feet, nudging the girl's cheek with her snout, not bothered by the self-invitation. As wolves, they had strength in numbers. Besides, Uma enjoyed her brazen and exuberent personality, finding it to be refreshing. Having Feint along would sharpen the dull monotony.

Let's go. She leaped off the smooth boulder, heading inland.