Neverwinter Forest wallflower

want to get her to meet others c:

the forest stood in a hushed embrace of winter, its thick evergreen pines woven tightly together, their boughs heavy with fresh snow. they formed a canopy that seemed impenetrable, shielding the forest floor from all but the faintest glimmers of light. here and there, a rare sunbeam broke through, igniting the icy edges of the ferns and saplings below in a fleeting shimmer, as if the forest itself wore jewels of frost.

kalyska lingered on the outskirts, her paws sinking into the thick layer of snow that muffled every sound with her presence melting seamlessly into the forest's quiet embrace. though solitude had plagued her like the thorn forever attached to a rose's stem, she felt the tug of something more—a yearning to join the warmth of voices carried faintly on the crisp air.

the pack was alive with a jovial aura, their shapes vibrant against the muted tones of winter. laughter and soft conversation drifted her way, like the chiming of distant bells. the scents of her kin mingled with the cold—a reminder that she belonged here, even if she often watched from afar.

kalyska’s emerald gaze flitted over the group, taking in the way they moved, their familiarity with one another like a dance she hadn’t yet learned. her tail brushed the snow behind her, hesitant but restless. she wanted to step forward, to let the warmth of their laughter thaw the part of her still frozen by solitude.

her breath puffed out in soft clouds as she took a tentative step closer. the forest, her ever-faithful companion, seemed to whisper encouragement. She could still retreat, blend into the pines where she felt safest. or, she could step into the clearing, let herself be seen, and perhaps—just perhaps—find her place among them.

y’var’la had watched the girl's approach from the edge of the gathering, her own position carefully chosen where shadow clung and voices quieted. the others were too wrapped in their celebrations to notice, but y'var'la did.

her own posture was poised, almost aloof, though the flick of her tail betrayed her interest. she often found herself skirting the edge of gatherings, just as this girl was, though not out of insecurity—no, her reasons were more deliberate. it was easier to assess others when they thought themselves unobserved.

the pale light of a stray sunbeam caught on the frost clinging to y’var’la’s fur as she stepped forward, paws sinking into the snow. though she moved toward the girl, she didn’t make a direct approach, instead angling herself slightly to the side, as though she might simply pass by.

“waiting for an invitation?” she asked, meeting her gaze with the faintest quirk in her brow.

she turned her attention toward the others in the clearing rather quickly, mirth untouched by the girl's hesitation. “you could stand here all day, and i don't they won’t notice until you freeze into one of the trees.” her tone softened, amused.

kalyska’s ears flicked toward the unfamiliar voice, her body stiffening for the briefest moment before she turned to meet the gaze of the other wolf. y’var’la’s words weren’t unkind, but they pricked at the edges of kalyska’s self-consciousness nonetheless.  

not waiting, she replied quietly, though her words lacked conviction, her gaze shifting briefly toward the gathering. the laughter and energy from the others seemed worlds away from where she stood, caught between longing and uncertainty.  

her clouded eyes returned to y’var’la, catching the faint flicker of amusement in her expression. just… long time since around many. even then always told hold tongue. she admitted, a self-deprecating smile tugging at her lips. much quiet make invisible to other. if walk to middle, no one still no see me.

despite her words, there was no bitterness in her tone, only a quiet honesty. kalyska tilted her head slightly, studying y’var’la in return. why you hug shadows?