Silverlight Terrace i.ix : who was breaking away from the pack

Whatever morning mist gathered, the sun was rising to dash it away. The crunch of pawsteps behind her grabbed her attention, and Maegi turned, meeting a pair of bright green eyes. If he was younger than her, she didn't know it--he was big and burly and smelled of the mountains, which gave her pause. It was a scent she was unfamiliar with; he must live close by, surely?

Hello, she greeted, tempted to go back to the herbs and pretend that they hadn't crossed paths. Am I intruding? She wasn't really sure what else to say; she hoped that he was better prepared than she was. He had been the one to sneak up on her, after all.