Phoenix Maplewood not from others

Alya wasn't surprised by the lack of surname. Many wolves did not have a family name, and Alya looked down on every one of them. Of course, it was only marginally more than she would look down on anyone who did not share her blood or carry the proud name of Ostrega, so she didn't think too poorly of Desdemona. At least her first name was pretty. Alya had always secretly liked longer names. "Nice to meet you," said Alya, although whether or not that was true remained to be seen.

It was odd that the other felt the need to apologize. The bow had been nice, but overt politeness was a bit grating. Alya herself did not have a deep reserve of politeness, although she could pretend to be if the occasion called for it. Sometimes.

"Why are you talking so weird?" 

Not today, apparently.

"And stop calling me ma'am. Call me Alya. I'm not an old lady."