Lake Rodney I'm always hungry or tired or both.

Sleepily, the night colored male roamed onwards, happy to finally feel the soft touch of grass beneath his paws once again, but even though the ground had softened, it didn't stop Neako's muscles from aching, along with his limbs and paws as he walked across the wet grass. His amber eyes searched the land wearily, gleaming in the light of the rising sun as Neako observed his new surroundings. Slowly, the brute's bright eyes were drawn to vast lake up ahead, his light-pink tongue lolling out to one side of his mouth as he gradually began to quicken his pace into a jog. The male hoped that a quick drink at the lake would give him the boost that he so desperately needed, maybe then he could muster up some energy to catch himself a much needed meal.

Approaching the edge of the lake, Neako gingerly peered over and stared at the water's glistening surface, eyes soon closing as he then lowered his head to drink from the cold lake. After he'd had his fill, the brute lifted his head and opened his eyes, his attention stolen by his dark reflection staring back at him. Silently, he observed himself for a moment, though soon he watched as the waters surface began to ripple from being disturbed, stray drops of water gradually falling from his fur as he straightened himself before turning his attention back to the lands around him. Quietly he lowered himself to sit, casually licking away the droplets that threatened to fall from his muzzle, Neako remained sat beside the waters edge, his black ears pivoting a top his skull as he listened to the gentle howl of the wind, the ebony male deciding now would be the time to regain his energy, then in time he could begin in his search for food.

Though spring remained a far ways off, the land had finally entered a gradual thaw. Snow covered the ground in patches, like islands in the midst of the returning green. Back at the Fen the marshy ground remained frozen and brittle beneath the paw. Out here the paths proved solid beneath the Ostrega's feet, and more pleasant for travel.

Yesterday, Andalusia had set out from the Fen and headed Northbound, her destination set on the speck of forest that scarred the horizon. Though the Fen remained frozen, she planned to acquaint herself with the inland and scout out plants that would prove useful once the spring came in full. The morning brought light to her progress. Though the forest still stood a fair distance away, she calculated she could reach the outskirts by sundown, if she stayed her course at a persistent pace.

So Andalusia set out, tracing the shoreline she had claimed for the night. A stronger breeze cut against her today, furling up from the vast waters to her right. She shivered slightly, and took to a brisk trot. Her body would warm itself soon enough from the exercise; for the time, she bore with the cold. Yet not long had passed before she slowed herself, and pressed her ears to full attention. A few lengths up the shoreline, a towering shadow obstructed her path. He cut an impressive figure in the breaking dawn, and Andalusia stalled. Could she pass him? From her vantage she could not determine anything but his approximate size. She furrowed her brow and, after a pause, emitted a soft chuff to announce her presence. While she figured she could wait him out or skirt a path through the inland, doing so would be to her own expense, and time was a commodity she wasn't willing to waste.

His stomach growled and the brute let out a groan in response, chest expanding as he took in a deep breath, before slowly allowing an annoyed sigh to escape his gray muzzle, ”Soon..” He muttered to himself as he gradually forced his paws to stand, an ungroomed tail giving a flick behind him as his ears swiftly arched forward at the sudden chuff of another. He was unprepared for company and Neako, rather rigidly, spun his head around to find the source, his golden eyes unexpectedly falling upon a rather tall, slender female just a few yards down from where he stood. Great. Tardily, Neako turned himself to face the woman head on, gold eyes observing her till he gradually offered a small nod of his head in response, ”Mornin'” He said gruffly, tongue lolling out from his mouth to lick at his wet muzzle.

Stepping forward, the brute took another glance toward the lake, amber eyes returning to stare back at the unknown female as he began to move away from the waters edge, ”Can I help you?” He questioned, head tilting some as he gave a thrash of his tail, though as he spoke, Neako's stomach rumbled loudly, this time causing him to wince in pain from the growing hunger.

The breeze was running faster than her own paws, her breath heaving in large gasps. Only when the burn started to build, deep in the depths of her chest, did she slow her pace to a light trot. Her throat burned, and she scented the air for the nearest water to slake her thirst. Lake Rhodney, of course. She turned to the north, padding towards the fresh scent.

She emerged from the brush surrounding the glistening water, striding to the edge with efficiency. She leaned her large cranium down towards the water, lapping at it with her tounge and sighing with relief as the cold water soothed the ache in her lungs. She stretched her long neck up, bathing her red face in the suns rays, letting the warmth seep into her bones. Only then could she see two wolves around the bend. She stood still, unknowing what it was she should do, before lightly verbalizing her presence and padding nearer.