Swiftcurrent Creek whispers in the frost

for @Arlette

The snow crunched softly beneath Fenrith’s paws as he moved through the winter-stricken landscape, his slender frame weaving between skeletal trees and frost-coated brush. His breath puffed out in faint, curling wisps, and he exhaled sharply, annoyed at the hollow ache gnawing at his stomach.

He paused, scanning the terrain with sharp brown eyes, ears swiveling for any sound that might hint at movement. A rabbit, a bird, even some frozen berries clinging stubbornly to a bush would do. Anything, really. His gut let out a low, rumbling complaint, and he muttered under his breath, “I’m working on it, alright?”

The terrain ahead dipped into a shallow gully, the snow heavier there, but also softer—easier for small prey to hide. Fenrith’s nose, useless as ever, didn’t help much, so he relied on his eyes and the faintest impressions in the snow.

Arlette had heard about the newest member of Swiftcurrent from her mate. It seemed an interesting fellow that also had some knowledge in healing, from what she understood. She decided to go look for him, just to say hello. Hopefully he would feel a little bit more welcome. Arric had mentioned that the new member couldn't smell and that thus Arric's welcome was less warm than hers was probably going to be.

It didn't take her too long to locate him. The smaller female watched him go through the deeper snows. Though it didn't look like he had a plan of going about it. Arlette quirked up her brows and watched him curiously as she approached. It didn't look like he was hunting. She chuffed in greeting as he probably didn't smell her, plus her white coat blended well with the underground.

Hello, I heard you recently joined us, she hummed in greeting. I'm Arlette, she introduced herself. She noticed that the snow was rather deep here, for her smaller frame. Are you settling in .... What was that noise? His stomach? ... well?, she finished her sentence.

Fenrith was so focused on his latest patch of snow that he didn’t notice the approach until the chuff cut through the cold air. He jolted slightly, spinning around with wide brown eyes to find a wolf standing nearby—her white coat blending so well with the surroundings that she might as well have been conjured by the frost itself.

“Ah—uh, hey!” he blurted, his tail flicking with a quick burst of awkward energy. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you—well, I mean, of course I didn’t smell you.” He winced slightly at his own words and quickly added, “But, uh, yeah! Hi!”

Her introduction eased some of his nerves, and Fenrith straightened his slender frame, offering her a lopsided grin. “Arric mentioned you. He, uh…” His grin twitched as he trailed off, clearly unsure how much he should say about his less-than-stellar introduction to her mate.

“Settling in? Yeah, sure,” he answered lightly, though the faint growl of his stomach betrayed him almost immediately. Fenrith froze, his ears flicking back with an embarrassed laugh. “Okay, maybe not entirely. I was, uh, looking for something to eat. Not having much luck, though,” he admitted.

Arlette chuckled softly at the greeting. Somehow he reminded her a little of her own son Thyme. He had the same kind of vibe. She couldn't place a paw on it. The woman smiled. Yes, my mate told me about you as well, she spoke. You are lucky you caught him on a good day. Though with your lack of smell your actions are somewhat justified, she assured him. He secretly is the biggest softie. Workhard and pull your weight and things will be alright. You don't get this from me.

Arlette was a practical woman, and this wolf needed food. He couldn't really get better or help out if he was hungry. Follow me, she told him and then trotted through the deep snow. She was glad when she was out of it. She then kept a light pace to a cache. She pulled off the branches and other material of the deer carcass. Here you go, she offered him the frozen meal. Arlette went to sit down, a little away not to get on his nerves. Arric told me you are into plants as well?, she asked.

his tail gave a small, tentative wag as his grin grew a bit more genuine. i’ll try to keep that in mind next time he’s threatening to take a chunk out of me. a quiet snort slipped through, though it was clear there was no bitterness behind his words. fenrith hesitated briefly before trotting after her, his long legs moving easily through the snow despite its depth. the promise of food—real, actual food—was enough to override any lingering hesitation.

as she cleared the branches from the cache, revealing the frozen deer carcass, fenrith’s stomach gave another loud grumble. he flicked his ears back, a faint laugh bubbling up as he stepped forward. thanks, he murmured.

plants? oh—yeah, he said, straightening slightly as he spoke. i was trained to be a druid, back where i’m from. learned all about healing—fevers, wounds, infections. i wouldn't say i'm the best, though... i could be better.

Arlette stepped back to give him some room at the carcass. Also, she didn't want to hover over him and make him feel threatened while eating. She sat down at a casual distance. He mentioned he was trained as a druid, which was fascinating to her. She had to learn by doing, and hearing from others. She had done well so far but she would be interesting to know what he did about infections, wounds and fevers. Fascinating! It sounds wonderful to be trained in healing, she admitted. You still want to pursue that profession? Learn more about it?, she asked. It might as well be that he left his previous pack because he did not wish to be a healer anymore. She did not want to assume.

Arlette had many more questions but she reserved herself to not overwhelm him. He was also hungry so she did not want him to be hungry while having to hold a conversation with food in front of him. Please eat first. I will stop asking questions, she hummed.

fenrith glanced up from the carcass as arlette spoke, his ears flicking forward at her interest. he gave a light shrug, boyish and easygoing. i mean, sure, he said cheerfully, his tail giving a small wag behind him. i’ll do whatever y’all need me to! healing, scouting, chasing off squirrels—whatever keeps me fed and out of trouble.

he’d never been one to turn down a good meal, and not being able to smell it? honestly, that was a blessing in disguise when it came to frozen leftovers. this might as well have been fresh kill on a gold platter as far as he was concerned.

fenrith dug in, tearing into the meat with vigor, though he paused long enough to glance back at arlette with a faintly sheepish look. thanks for this, by the way. you didn’t have to, but… well, i appreciate it.

Arlette chuckled, the fellow before her was pragmatic. She couldn't help but like that about him. He didn't seem too complicated or difficult. Well that sounds wonderful. Especially when spring comes and lots of herbs need to be collected, she spoke. She wouldn't mind the extra help. Plus he could help in group hunts too, chasing their prey.

You are welcome, she spoke. Though I disagree, you are now part of our pack and showing kindness can sometimes go a long way, she hummed. She had seen it happen many times where her kindness actually had helped her out in the long run. How are you with teenagers?, she asked curiously.

fenrith paused mid-chew at arlette’s question.

teenagers? he repeated, his voice muffled slightly before he quickly swallowed and tilted his head, considering.

uh… can’t say i’ve spent much time around them. guess it depends on the teenager, doesn’t it? his tail gave a faint wag, his boyish grin returning.

Arlette nodded in response to his question. It might be a little weird question but she was getting there. I guess you are right with that, she chuckled. Though she felt that her kids weren't too terrible. Then again, she was probably incredibly biased. Perhaps Burdock needed the most work, he just said what he was thinking.

Our four pups are teenagers now, but I feel like it would do them some good to meet new faces, she offered to him. She wasn't too protective of them anymore, they were becoming more and more independent from her. Sadly. She loved fussing over them.