Kintla Flatlands Out of my life, out of my lands

np! sorry for the long wait friend; hope this is satisfactory. :' )

Sien inhaled deeply as a brisk autumn breeze sent stray leaves scattering playfully around her legs. The air was cool and slighty damp, rich with the musk of earth and dead leaves. Overhead, the Creator graced the day with his fair essence, doling out a small measure of warmth to offset the atmospheric chill. Thank you, she thought quietly. Silent gratitude had almost become habitual as of late. A small voice in her head asked bitterly what she was thanking anybody for, when autumn only meant that winter was drawing near – but she curbed those thoughts neatly. This too was something she’d grown accustomed to. From somewhere nearby, a rancorous howl rose out from the background noise of rustling leaves, causing her to still. Ears perked, alert like a soldier’s salute, she stared at the direction the sound had come from and tested the air.
 
Nothing of much note came to her attention, she was likely on the wrong side of the wind for that, but Sien couldn’t shake her feeling of unease nevertheless. The clamor had been far too close to comfort. She considered investigating, but she was decidedly against the notion of getting caught up in someone’s misguided rage or vengefulness. While she was duty-bound to offer assistance and support to those who needed it, whoever had been howling hadn’t sounded like they were in the market for comfort at all. What they needed, Sien thought firmly as she continued on her original path at a brisk pace, was some time to cool off. Alone. Without anybody else interfering in their business. Including her. She was doing this in the name of both of their best interests, Sien convinced herself, picking up her pace as the uneasiness made a comeback and inexplicably grew.
 
As it turned out, her disquietude wasn't without merit. Mere minutes had passed before she heard the tell-tale signs of approaching company; the crackling leaves concealed little. Sien whirled around to confront – no, that wasn’t right. She should try to be optimistic and refrain from coming into the situation with preconceived notions. She whirled around to hopefully placate…? That didn’t quite fit either. She whirled around to make the acquaintance of the stranger. Yes, perfect, Sien thought, as she evaluated the incoming…female, by the smell of it. Built for speed, was the first thing that came to mind. It made sense, given how quickly she’d caught up. Of course, there was no guarantee this was the same wolf who’d made such a racket before. Granted, it was very likely given that she’d come from the same direction and her demeanor didn’t seem to be a particularly friendly one, by any stretch of the imagination, but Sien could always hope. ”Need something?” she asked. She forced herself to maintain a neutral posture and tried, with moderate success, to keep her voice level and calm.