Phoenix Maplewood li pale [m]

The she-wolf spoke to them with the casual familiarity of old friends, which brought a surprised but delighted smile to Totoro’s lips. They ventured nearer, head tilting upward again to spy on the pair of small birds flitting from branch to branch. They didn’t seem to pay the wolves any attention, though soon they winged so high that they were mere specks among the maple’s forking limbs.

Cassin’s finch, Haemorhous cassinii, Totoro said with a click of their tongue, adding a thoughtful, I think.

After a beat, their striking blue eyes dropped back to the stranger. She looked so cozy, cradled by the maple’s winding roots. Totoro backpedaled half a step and took a seat, to put them on more equal footing.

I smelled you, they answered, but do not worry, I am not here to bother you. I am curious, though. Totoro paused, pondering that word, then amended, I am surprised you are here by yourself. Every time I have crossed paths with a she-wolf in estrus, she has had an entourage of suitors hounding her back. Have you hidden yours behind a tree?

They looked around surreptitiously before turning their attention to her with a small smile and adding, I am Avery, though I prefer to be called Totoro.