Speedy had been to the coast many times but had not ever traveled quite this far west. As she moved through the sand, a cold ocean breeze moved through her thin coat, causing a small shiver to move down her lithe body. The days were getting colder, which lead to even colder nights. She was thankful to have Slavik around to keep her warm at night, but she knew soon that wouldn't be enough; she would need to find somewhere to settle for the winter. 

Right now, though, she was content to explore with her molten friend and the place they had stumbled on was intriguing. The trees here were different than the trees she had seen inland; they had long, skinny trunks and broad, fan-like leaves. As she moved closer to inspect the strange trees, she noticed large, brown, fibrous balls dotting the ground around them. She pawed the one closest to her, noting that it felt really hard. When she touched her nose to the strange object's surface, she pulled in a sweet, enticing scent. She lifted her head and turned to wherever Slavik had been investigating and asked, Have you ever seen one of these before? She lowered her head back to the object and with a shrug, opened her mouth and tried to bite into it. She found it to be just as hard as it felt. Lying down, she held the brown ball between her front paws and went to work trying to bite her way inside.

Slavik hadn't forgotten about his pack search, or any of the packs he'd come across in his travels. He'd simply, pushed them to the back burner, because at the moment Speedy was the perfect pack for him. Together they could hunt better, find shelter easier, protect each other, stay warmer at night, and have loads of fun. Slavik was fully content, but like his companion, sometimes a cool winds would remind him that they're adventure would have to come to a pause eventually.

They were on their way to the sea, a place that Slavik promised himself that he would go to one day. He could only imagine what it was like from the descriptions he'd been given, and the way he thought of it was like the blue sky switching places with the ground, a pool of blue for as far as the eye could see. He couldn't wait to see his illustrations in action, but until then the pair of friends had found a quite unique grove. The trees here were tall and skinny, with weird fans at the top, like the feathers on a bird's butt. Slavik had his eyes glued to the fronds above him he didn't even notice the little brown balls until Speedy pointed them out.

The sunshine boy turned his head, ears perked with interest and he bounded over to his friend's side. hu-uh, he replied to her question, watching the weird orb rolling about her paws. He looked down with pure intrigue as she pawed and gnawed at the strange thing, which was apparently harder than it looked. Ready to have a go of his own, he said, Here let me crack it, and started to roll it towards his own chest, where he would begin to try and bite in himself.

She watched as Slavik moved the object from between her paws and watch him try to bite it as well. It's harder than it looks, she stated, eyes fixed on the brown ball as he worked on it. It smells like there's something yummy inside, though, she added. 

Assuming he continued to work on the ball, she took a glance around their area. She had grown really fond of the beach and had made frequent trips here since the first time she happened upon it in her exploring. She had considered joining one of the coastal packs for the winter since it might make the idea of settling a little easier, but she had recently changed her mind as usual. She couldn't help thinking about Moonspear and the intriguing male that resided there, and the idea of spending the winter there continued to grow on her. She looked at the water in the distance and watched the white waves dance across the surface towards them before dissipating. She looked to her friend then. Have you decided where you're going for the winter? she asked with a tilt of her head. They hadn't really discussed it, so she had no idea if he already had plans.

Slavik had been very confident in his ability to open the strange fruit, until he tried it and found it to be more like a spongy rock than a fruit or nut. No kidding, he said in response to Speedy’s observation about it being hard, then returned to gnawing. There was a pause where nothing was said, Slavik worked at their prize while Speedy sat contemplatively. Then she asked a question that crossed his mind often, where he would go for the winter. Wephifhagd- he started the sentence with a mouthful of spit and coconut bark, realized that wasn’t working and spat it out before continuing.

Well I had actually met this really cool guy named Rannoch, he runs this pack in the mountains and they seemed really cool. I met another girl from there too, Wraen. I’d sort of settled on going to them when winter came but then I met you. So I’m not really sure anymore. he said, then opened his mouth wide and tried to get a full grip on the coconut. He squeezed his jaws as tight as he could, and finally there was a pop. For a moment he feared the sound was his own teeth popping out, but luckily he could taste a sweet trickle that wasn’t blood, but the warm milk of the coconut.

With a satisfied rumble he rolled the ball back over to Speedy, licking his lips and taking in the sweet flavor.

She grinned when he attempted to answer her question with a mouth full of the brown string-like material that covered the strange fruit's surface, thinking he looked pretty adorable right then. He spit the stuff out on the ground and answered her question, stating that he had met a couple wolves from the mountains, one of which she knew well. I know Wraen, she stated with a grin. I like her a lot. She's really nice, she added. Slavik stated that he had been planning on joining their pack before he met her but had changed his mind, and Speedy's grin grew even wider. She was glad to know he liked spending time with her, because she really enjoyed his company as well. I'm glad you did, she said, wagging her tail a little. 

She heard the pop and her ears perked. The sweet smell wafted to her, even stronger than it had been before. When he pushed the coconut to her, she lapped up the liquid that was leaking out. This is really good, she said between licks. After a few minutes, she pushed the fruit back to him so he could have more if he wanted it. I was thinking about joining the pack in the other mountains, she said, lifting her head in the direction of the peaks to which she was referring. They're called Moonspear. You...could join me if you'd like, she added, looking away in a rare moment of shyness. She didn't want to part ways with Slavik; they had fun, and the thought of going their separate ways made her sad. She would understand if he didn't want to join her and wanted to continue with his initial plan, though; he didn't have to do anything just because she asked. I mean, don't do it just for me, but if you want to, that'd be fine too, she added quickly, wanting to make sure he didn't feel obligated.

Speedy stated that she knew Wraen, and somehow Slavik wasn’t surprised. This wasn’t their first mutual acquaintance; Ceara had also recognized Speedy, when he’d met her in the charred forest. Speedy seemed to know everyone, and he loved that about her. Did she tell you a story too? she told me this one about a bird king, he asked, wondering if sharing stories with strangers was something Wraen did often.

When he said that he’d postponed going to a pack to be with her, Speedy’s grin widened. It was smiles like these that reminded Slavik why he’d done that, why he’d veered from his chosen course to do travel with her instead. So am I, otherwise I would’ve never been here to pop this milk ball open for you and you’d be milk ball-less, he teased with a playful smirk on his lips.

She rolled the ball back to him and began to explain her own plan. Slavik licked at the milk as he listened, savoring the strange flavor. So she already had a plan too, a pack called Moonspear. He was about to remark on the irony of Sunspire and Moonspear, when he noticed Speedy look away shyly. That was unlike her, he’d never known her to be timid. Why was she shy, was there something more to her question or was he just overanalyzing relationships like he tended to do sometimes. Instinctively he looked away too, his cheeks hot red under his blonde fur.

If you want to go to Moonspear, then I’m going too. You’re like, the closest friend I’ve made, and we’re travel buddies! And I don’t... I don’t really want to go to a pack without you. Would be really boring honestly, he said sincerely, with a slight chuckle at the last part.

Speedy nodded her head. Yeah, we made up a story together about a princess that got turned into a pig by a witch. It was fun, she explained, wagging her tail at the memory. She had talked to Wraen a couple times and had even been invited to join Sunspire. She had actually received multiple invitations to a few different packs but had ultimately chose Moonspear.

She laughed at his comment. Well, thankfully you're here so I never have to be without milk balls again, she replied with fake exasperation. She was thankful for his presence in her life  for many other reasons as well. She had met many wolves while out exploring, but he had been the only one she had formed more than a fleeting bond with. They seemed to accent each other well, and she was glad they had become friends. 

When he agreed to go to Moonspear with her, she whipped her gaze back to him, an excited smile on her face. Really? You want to go with me? she asked. She had hoped for that answer but wasn't sure if he was set on his own plans. Her cheeks heated as well when he said he didn't want to join a pack without her. Winter will be so much better now that you're going to with me, she said, ears moving back and tail wagging. We'll have so much fun, she added. She stood then and jumped on him, giving his face a bunch of kisses, unable to contain her happiness that they wouldn't be parting ways for the winter

A princess a pig and a witch, sounded like a book by C.S Lewis. Slavik smiled at this, imagining Speedy and Wraen weaving the tale together.

Slavik’s comment made Speedy laugh, and she replied with faux exasperation. He raised his eyebrows, then with a shrug he added, You’re welcome. Slavik loved this kind of play, not just the physical kind but the word and emotional kind. It was lighthearted and made him feel happy, it came some naturally to him. It was always more fun too when you had a great partner to word spar with.

Of course! he replied when she asked again, his own tail beginning to wag madly now. The thought of spending the entire winter with not only Speedy, but with a whole family of wolves, that sounded fantastic. She expressed his sentiments exactly, then leapt upon him and showered his face with kisses. All of Slavik’s previous butterflies melted away into the pure happiness that he felt when Speedy was near. There was no reason to be nervous around her, just loving and affectionate.

He giggled as she swiped her tongue over his cheeks, and rolled over onto his back to bat his front paws at her while she did it. He craned his neck to plant a few kisses on her cheek in return, his sunny eyes full of youth and possibility.

Speedy giggled when he rolled over and gave her kisses in return. She rested her head on his chest for a few minutes, not saying anything but enjoying their closeness and the fact that she wouldn't have to tell him goodbye. She finally stood up and shot him a playful grin. Let's explore some more, she said as she began to walk in the direction of the ocean. She had never been to this part of the coast before and was interested to see what all was there. 

As she exited the strange trees, she found herself almost to the ocean. She trotted to the water and watched the waves rolling across and coming towards her. She stepped close enough that the wave faded from existence around her front paws. She shivered and looked back Slavik (assuming he followed). It's really cold, she said. She wasn't sure she would be swimming here today. It was probably a little too cold for her.

Slavik looked down at Speedy, who’d come to rest contently at his chest. For a minute they sat in silence, Slavik laid his head down and closed his eyes, taking deep relaxed breaths. Then the minute ended, and it was time to explore more. He returned her grin and hurried to his paws, and followed her to the ocean.

When they at last broke from the tree line, Slavik’s jaw dropped. It wasn’t just a pool of sky blue for miles, it was a both a frothing storm and a serene lake all at once. Ripples and waves, similar to the ones he liked to make when they played in the hot springs and that underground lake, dotted the expanse of a vast and never ending ocean. They were like little white crowns, topping a blue hill, then disappeared into the rest of the sea. And the sand, it was gold like his fur, like the fields he’d grown up in.

He was paused at the tree line- awestruck, but was brought back to reality by Speedy’s comment. She was there already! Practically in the ocean! Slavik hurried to her side, and his hair stood on end when the water trickled around his paw pads. It feels stingy, he observed, the saltiness felt different somehow than the fresh water he was used to. Speedy looked hesitant to continue in, but Slavik wasn’t stopping here. He nudged her quickly with his shoulder, hoping she’d follow him out further, where the waves could crash upon him.

Stingy. That was a good way to describe the way the salt water felt. It was definitely different than the other places they had swum together. He proceeded to walk in the water despite her comment that it was really cold, nudging her to join him as he moved. She watched him for a minute, unsure she wanted to get in, but she was easily swayed by her desire to play with him. She followed him in until the water reached her chest--probably not so deep for him. She stopped there, shivering. N-now w-what, she asked, looking at him expectantly. He had lead them out here, so she would follow his lead unless he went out too far; the ocean was a lot more dangerous than any of the lakes or pools they were used to. There were large predators out here and they could easily be taken out to sea never to be seen again.

Uhhh, Slavik hadn’t actually thought about what they’d do once they got out there, he just wanted to go. Speedy was up to her chest already, but Slavik wasn’t that far in yet. He wanted to go deeper, but for her sake he wouldn’t. So what could they do... his eyes scanned the sea around him contemplating what seemed fun. Just floating around was pretty neat, but it would get boring after a while. His sunny eyes came to rest on a crashing wave not that far from him, it left a strange bubbling foam.

He walked out just a bit further, and carefully rolled his mane through the frothy seafoam. When he’d finished, he had a face covered in puffy white, it sizzled and disappeared fast so he quickly turned around to show Speedy, a wide grin on his face. tadaa!!! he said as if he’d performed a marvelous magic trick.

Speedy watched her friend move farther out into the water, but didn't follow, not feeling comfortable going any deeper than she already was. He proceeded to put his face in one of the oncoming waves, turning to her as the sizzling foam disappeared. She couldn't help but laugh despite being cold. She wagged her wet tail, flinging drops of water about as she did so. She still didn't move forward, but let out an excited yip, urging him to come back toward her a little. She wanted to play, but was afraid the water was too deep where he was. Come back over here, she asked, giving him an impatient look. She was starting to adjust to the water's temperature and no longer shivering. There was a time when she wouldn't have been so cautious, but her run in with the cat had made her a little more wary of things that might be dangerous.

Speedy elicited just the response Slavik was looking for, a pure and happy laugh. Speedy let out an excited tip and urged him to come back. He still wanted to go out a little further, but he could do that later. He wanted to play with Speedy now. He plunged his big blonde face into the water to wash off all the remaining foam, then turned and took a few big floppy jumps towards his friend. Now that they were back in a safer depth, he was ready to play. He moved closer to her and nipped at her cheek, then her ear, his tail flagging behind him.

His nips earned her usual string of giggles that came from playing with her friend, and she nipped him back before jumping up and splashing the molten wolf. She then took off through the salty water away from him, looking back to give him a huge grin. He may be stronger, but she was definitely faster, and she loved getting to prove that to him. She sped further down the coast splashing water as she ran and occasionally looking back to see how close Slavik was.

Speedy giggled in response to Slavik’s nips, then leapt back and splashed him. He giggled in return, a lower sound than hers but a giggle all the same. He shook the water from his eyes, and as he did his friend had started to run down the coast, a spray of water in her wake. There was no way he’d catch up, especially since she’d had a head start, but that wasn’t going to stop Slavik. Even when he was losing to Speedy he was still having fun. He barked, then took off after her, his heavier body and thick coat slowing him down a lot. So what did he do, he tried harder, until he was running at her heels.

For a few minutes, she ran far ahead of her friend, looking back occasionally to see were he was. She loved the way it felt when she was able to run at full speed, and a grin split her face as she continued to sprint through the water. She felt more than saw him when he finally caught up to her, and an excited laugh left her. She attempted to push herself to run faster but ended up tripping on some seaweed and falling face first into the water, her momentum causing her to roll a couple times. Momentarily stunned, she lied in the water, panting and making sure nothing hurt from her little spill. Then, she looked up at Slavik, surprise on her wet face.

Slavik was running close behind her, and then she was speeding up again. And then she was slowing down - no - tumbling down to the ground. He watched her trip and fall face first into the surf, then roll a few times before stopping. He watched it all happen but for some reason it didn’t occur to him that she’d tripped over something. So as he ran towards her, he tripped on the same thicket of seaweed and fell face first into the water. He didn’t roll like she had, he just plunged right in.

The goofy yearling shot up quickly, surprise on his face equal to that on hers. He looked around in confusion, his face drenched and with some muddy sand from the face plant. His golden eyes came to rest on Speedy, he shared her surprise for a moment and then burst out laughing.

In her surprised state, she could only watch as Slavik also tripped, falling face-first into the water. She winced as the scene unfolded before her, but couldn't really do much to help him. When he shot back up, they looked at each other wordlessly for a few seconds. He then burst into laughter, and she couldn't help but start laughing, too. She stood and shook the water and mud from her coat, shooting him a playful grin. Oops, she finally said with a shrug before running over to him to hopefully tackle him in the water and lick his face.

Oops, the perfect phrase to describe the events that had unfolded. Slavik continued to laugh some, and as he did he was tackled back into the water, and licks were planted all over his face. His head went under for a moment, and he got a nose full of stingy salt water. This was unexpected, and he didn't like it at all. In a moment of panic he pulled himself up from Speedy's grasp and stood, his head bent as he attempted to sneeze the stinging water out of his sinuses. It made his whole head buzz, and he glanced to Speedy with a look of confusion.

What's in- he cut himself off to blow air out his nostrils, the ocean water? he asked her.

She hadn't meant to push his head underwater, and she quickly tried to move as he pushed up from underneath her. She watched silently as he sneezed, ears back and a guilty expression. I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to do that, she said as he turned to give her a confused look. She shrugged a little at his question, ears still held back. I'm not sure, but it makes the water taste gross, she replied, ducking her head a little. Maybe we should go back to the shore, she offered, wagging her tail slightly and looking at him apologetically.

Slavik didn’t want his friend to feel bad, it totally wasn’t her fault that he’d dumbly tried to be a fish and breath underwater. don’t be sorry, I’ll live, he replied with a laid back smile, holding back another cough to prove his point. He was in total agreement with her answer to his question, the water definitely tasted bad, tastes like how I’d imagine pee to taste, he replied, proudly able to state that he had never tasted pee. Then when she offered to return to the shore he nodded his head and started off through the water, the waves tugging him back then forwards until his paws met the shore.

When he reached the sand he flopped down and rolled over, massaging his back on the ground. It felt good against his soggy fur, but later he would certainly regret having his whole body be a walking sand bag. For now though he was happy, and when Speedy left the water as well he’d give her a playful wink, fully aware of how goofy he looked.

Her ears came back up and a smile returned to her face when Slavik accepted her apology. He went on to compare the taste of the ocean water to what the taste of pee might be like, and Speedy laughed. I guess so, she replied as she followed him towards the shore. She, too, had to fight the waves a little, but she finally reached the sand not long after her molten friend. Speedy shook the excess water from her coat and every muscle in her body tensed as a freezing cold breeze moved through her thin, wet fur. She shook violently as she she watched Slavik roll around in the sand. It was normally something she would find highly amusing, but right now, all she could think about was how cold she was. I ttthink ttthis wwwas a bbbad idddea, she stated through chattering teeth, literally frozen in place. She didn't think she had ever been this cold in her life. Never again would she get in the water when it was this cold outside, not even for her friend.

When Slavik realized that his little joke wasn't hitting home, he straightened his head to look at Speedy. Upon further inspection he realized that she was shivering like crazy, so he got up quickly and went to her side. Her next comment came out in choppy words, Slavik gave a soft chuckle to it. Sorry, here lets go back to the trees, there won't be such a bad wind up there, he said, offering his as a shoulder for her to lean on.

Speedy leaned into is warmth, not even caring that he was covered in wet sand. She followed him back to the trees where it did seem to be a little better. She stopped once inside the small grouping of strange trees and sat down, her body tensing against the cold. She looked at her friend then. Just so you know, I only went into that stupid water because you wanted to. That's how much I like you, she said through small shivers, a small smile forming on her damp face. Only for her friend would she get into the water and risk being cold and wet; she couldn't resist the opportunity to have fun with Slavik.