Phoenix Maplewood dancing to the beat of a midnight raga

no problem! going to make a small assumption that no introductions were made in the other thread? i can always edit if that turns out to change

a howl rang out across the open land to the south, and his ears pricked, hawkish gaze trying to pinpoint where it'd come from. finally, his eyes lit upon the woman from the other day, alone this time. she was a respectful distance from the border, and he nodded, pleased with that notion. aditya wasn't too terribly belligerent about territory--not unless the intruder came looking for a fight, like those two rogues from a few moons back.

with a short wag of his banner tail, adi trotted out of the forest, coming to a stop a few paces away from her, a small smile of welcome set on his face. "welcome back," he rumbled, raising his eyebrows in silent inquiry. "i didn't catch your name the other day."

his voice was kind but firm, words casual but probing. he didn't know this woman from any other; who knew who or what she might be? she carried a pack-scent he wasn't familiar with, with smells of individuals he hadn't met. but clearly, the maplewood held some sort of importance to her, if she was back so soon after they'd crossed paths the first time.