Whitebark Stream this banana bread has walnuts

It was his nature to be optimistic and carefree, to go along with the ebb and flow of life and embrace it for what it was; but it was also in his nature to care quickly and deeply, a trait he was coming to understand since he arrived in the area. His nonchalance was not impenetrable to emotion, but then he would be a cold wolf if it were. In times like these, it would take effort on his part to remain grounded in the now, not losing fleeting time to the the past and future. Fortunately, he was adept at finding something to smile about, and sometimes that something, or someone, found him.

His gaze had been cast to his paws, watching the rounded stones beneath his paws as they stirred beneath his step. He did not see nor hear his companion until she called to him. He jerked his head up, to behold the white and red of her warm face. Immediately his mouth split into a broad grin, and his tail waved quickly behind him. "Saena!" He hastened to make his way to her, and leaped from his spot to the bank in one smooth, graceful leap. He swept to her side, pressing his muzzle to her cheek in an affectionate nuzzle. "I was not expecting you!" he beamed as he stepped back and reclined upon his haunches, his fond gaze holding hers.  

He was always up to meet new faces, but after being stood up by one friend, it was a relief, and a complete joy, to have run into another.