Though the bitter scent of lush vegetation and the pungent aroma of seaside overwhelmed the veiled morning, it was not enough to mask another wolf's scent within the stale, windless air. Aisling could smell her company before she could see it; detecting mountainous pine, arid slate, dank bark, lechin, woman, and wolf... all bold odors which stood out against the river's edge. Slowly, akin to a specter or phantom, a glacial shape appeared along the bank, and the foreigner's pace slowed to a stop to better scrutinize the she-wolf who appeared on the same trail.
She was a harsh looking creature, juxtaposed to Aisling's rather soft and demure features, fierce and impeccably white save for muddy toes that seemed disappear amongst the embankment. Cinerous ears cupped curiously to receive the other, though her face and body remained placid as to not nettle the first wolf she had seen since arriving. The scrupulous, firey gaze of the younger native could easily be felt, and Aisling's jaded eyes shifted away as to avoid confrontation.
'Sos or Atka?' the other queried — for the statement was certainly a question.... but of what? Aisling could not tell. Were they clan names? Territories? Was one a friend and the other an enemy? If she answered incorrectly would the ivory wolf attack? The sweet dew of honeysuckle grazed her tongue as Aisling's jaw clenched a bit tighter, calm but uncertain in every aspect.