potholing

The mist muted all the colours of the world, and Bazi did not notice the dark stranger until they were almost close enough to touch. With the rumours that were flying around about the Vale, the youth's first instinct was to bristle and assume a defensive stance - but only for a split second. Unprovoked aggression on neutral ground was was as reckless as it was unlike her, no matter how close they were to the Creek - though if she happened upon Xi'nuata again after hearing of her hypocrisy from Jinx, it would be difficult to maintain an air of civility.

But none of that had anything to do with this wolf, who had announced herself politely and looked to be alone. Hostility melted from Bazi's face and body as quickly as it had appeared, and she offered a gently wag of her tail to assure Blue Willow that it would stay that way.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, nostrils flaring to catch Blue Willow's scent. There was no trace of the Vale about this wolf - she smelled warmer, greener somehow. "We've had some complicated tension with the Vale lately, but you're not from there, so... I'm Bazi. From the Creek, the one that starts here." She opened her mouth to go on, but something changed her mind. Wide, blue eyes regarded the shadowy visitor with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "What's your name?"