Phoenix Maplewood dancing to the beat of a midnight raga

she returned his smile and offered an apology, to which he gently shook his head. maybe one day it would be his downfall, but aditya was ultimately forgiving--of most--and this woman had made no threats and had stepped away when asked. besides, there was clearly something she wanted, to be back so soon.

"it's all right," adi assured her. "we've not been here for very long; our claim is not the strongest it could be. my name is aditya." he dipped his muzzle to the west. "my pack lives on the plains, but a few of us claim the woods for our own, as well."

he took this opportunity to look her over, something he'd not had the chance to do the other day. she was relatively young, perhaps a half a dozen seasons his junior or so, and pretty, with intelligent eyes. he still could not place her pack-scent, though it couldn't be far from here, he thought.

might as well come out and ask. "which pack are you from?" he inquired softly.