Swiftcurrent Creek whispers in the frost

Fenrith was so focused on his latest patch of snow that he didn’t notice the approach until the chuff cut through the cold air. He jolted slightly, spinning around with wide brown eyes to find a wolf standing nearby—her white coat blending so well with the surroundings that she might as well have been conjured by the frost itself.

“Ah—uh, hey!” he blurted, his tail flicking with a quick burst of awkward energy. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you—well, I mean, of course I didn’t smell you.” He winced slightly at his own words and quickly added, “But, uh, yeah! Hi!”

Her introduction eased some of his nerves, and Fenrith straightened his slender frame, offering her a lopsided grin. “Arric mentioned you. He, uh…” His grin twitched as he trailed off, clearly unsure how much he should say about his less-than-stellar introduction to her mate.

“Settling in? Yeah, sure,” he answered lightly, though the faint growl of his stomach betrayed him almost immediately. Fenrith froze, his ears flicking back with an embarrassed laugh. “Okay, maybe not entirely. I was, uh, looking for something to eat. Not having much luck, though,” he admitted.