Serpent Lake the wild hunt

Marija returned the stare with her own, averting it just as stiffly. although she heard the greeting, she hesitated with a response. 

how do you greet a wolf? like a neighboring dog? ask what he'd had for a morning meal? — the dog felt silly asking that alone. 
after the deep breath of her pink nose, Marija took a hesitant step into the rushing fresh water. if she was going to be cordial, the very least she could do was approach the wolf on the same side of the river — no?

hello there! although she spoke with a friendly tone, there was a nervousness behind her words. fine day, isn't it? she gave an exasperated sigh as her paw couldn't decide whether to take a step further. 

heaven forbid this poor stranger witnesses her get swept up by an angered river for daring to cross it's boundary. the thought alone put a brief frown on her visage.