Ocean's Breath Plateau nocturne in c-sharp minor, b. 49

Although trying to discern his greeting internally, Maha's sleek frame did not flinch. Rather, she embraced his gaze, twisting sideways so that he might get a full view. Because his stature communicated his wariness, Maha did not step as close as she might have liked to, but kept a modest distance instead. I don't think we've met before, mister. There was a childlike curiousity on her face, though her stark lack of innocence was clear.

Maha remembered the tales she had once heard of the seafarers along the coast. They didn't treat their women the way that the landworkers did; there was no power imbalance, but an understanding that each wolf, regardless of trade or lifestyle, was equal. Behind the hierarchical titles, there was respect, something that other wolves lacked.