Wapun Meadow oh, and the time is at hand

a silver-furred wraith moved across the snow, and indra kept his presence noted in the corner of her vision. she thought he might pass her by, but he did not leave her wondering for long, for his course adjusted and he approached. the redleaf's posture held the faintest thread of anticipation, but she remained neutral -- almost pleasant -- until another figure caught her attention.

marten. no, "MARTEN!" indra sucked in a gasp of shock, rising at once to flank him. she pressed her nose to his lifted muzzle and snaked around him assertively - she was half furious, and half relieved to see he had followed her. discreetly she cast her gaze about them, wondering if nunataq and merrick had come as well. from the little evidence of scent on marten's coat, it seemed they had not and indra's stomach settled coldly.

yet she could not be unhappy in this moment, seeing the cherubic face of a child she had left behind. laurel would be furious - but indra had always been the softer one, and she was overjoyed to be reunited with marten; so much that she nearly forgot the stranger that had just moments before greeted her.

realizing her error she straightened up immediately, and her posture went from pleasant to coldly protective. unless he made it clear he was benevolent down to every last guardhair on his silver pelt, indra would be on alert. "evening. who are you?"

there was clipped small talk, and after a few measured moments indra decided this man was likely not the company they sought. sparing him a slender smile, she ushered marten away - eager to return to laurel's side.