Moonspear Afterlife

When footfalls announced an incoming wolf, Wildfire's thoughts scattered into the cacophonous breeze. She shifted her weight to one side, expecting to receive Floki as he returned home. Instead, it was a stranger. The Gamma's muscles stiffened as the unfamiliar she-wolf sauntered over to her, deposited something on the ground, then sat back and introduced herself. Her manner was very open and casual, though it didn't coax the tension from Wildfire's muscles, at least not yet.

Her amber eyes watched as the stranger—Aloe, she introduced herself—made herself comfortable. Wildfire looked around a little in bewilderment at her familiarity on what was essentially their (Floki and Wildfire's) doorstep. Then she caught herself. Before, she never would have minded the friendly intrusion at all. She wanted to get back to that head space, even if it would take conscientious effort and a little discomfiture along the way.

"It's nice to meet you, Aloe. I'm Wildfire," she said, smoothing the stiffness from her voice with each word. "It's okay." She paused, eyes crinkling ever so slightly. "What's on your mind?" she asked the obvious question.