Alpine Lake the birth of merlin

Her brows furrowed at the request—no, command—and she drew to a halt several lengthy paces from where the other stood. She nodded in silent acknowledgement, then responded, Preeti. Who are you?

The other woman was rangy, lean, and her pelt smelled of nothing and no one discernible. A lone wolf, like herself. Preeti was still getting used to being on her own. Once, she could have introduced herself more thoroughly, with a home, a status. Now, she was just Preeti, just Preeti.

I kind of like that, she mused, cocking her head ever-so slightly as she waited for the stranger's reply.