Arrow Lake Deep in the dark light

Following the neck of Swiftcurrent Creek, Phoenix found himself plodding towards the bowl of a mountain-shaded lake. The sun had risen not too long ago, but the earth laid in the shadows here had retained its nightly chill. The spires above him did not aid in warming the weather, but the dispersal wolf felt no grudge towards the nature of things. He was only glad that the snow had lost its depth in the growing spring air.

Coming lakeside, he paused briefly for an ice-laden drink, his burning eyes rolling back and forth as he attempted to stay mindful of his surroundings with hunger so prevalent on his mind.

@Rannoch

Adeline was still exploring the new lands, though this far hadn't come across very many wolves. She supposed they might still be hunkering down from winter, or maybe they just stuck to their own packlands. She wasn't quite sure what she wanted to do in regards to joining a pack, but getting information about the territories would help her make a decision.

The smell of water drew her near that morning, and she spotted the frame of a wolf as he drank from the lake. Unsure if he was friend or foe, she kept her distance from him as she approached the edge of the water. She was about thirty yards away, she figured plenty of space to give him, and plenty of time to run if he turned out to be foe. Her eyes glanced his way as she lowered her muzzle to drink.

Though aware of his company's presence, Phoenix took several more gulps before deciding to acknowledge the other wolf who had simply stopped for a drink. He looked her over without making an advance, scouring her swan-white coat for something out of place. She'd given him no reason thus far to consider her a threat, so the young male's guard was decidedly down.

With red ears flicking casually, he waited to see what she would do after having her drink, his nose lifted interestedly in her direction. He might have approached her himself were he still a lone wolf, but these days he wasn't feeling quite that lonely.

He didn't approach her, so for a few moments, Adeline focused on drinking the water, feeling it cool her throat and quench her thirst. When she was finished, she licked the drops free of her maw as she lifted her head and turned it in his direction. He was watching her, and her tail wagged to give him the indication she was friendly. 

He didn't look aggressive, and though he didn't overtly invite her over, she found herself walking towards him. She took her time, thus giving him the time to depart, if he so wished. But, if he stayed, she would say hello, and give her name in introduction.

Phoenix stood a little taller when the stranger's attention at last shifted to him. His tail wagged as hers did, the two of them expressing a mutual receptiveness in regards to the other. The yearling extended his muzzle rather brashly when she'd come near enough, eager to examine her scent more closely and unmindful of the fact that she might not like him being so close. Not the kind to take offense if she snapped at him, it was with a stiff nose and the bold flag of his tail that he invaded her personal space; as was a packwolf's want.

Her tail swished back and forth quicker as he closed the gap between them. Adeline was actually quite surprised that he was so outgoing and friendly. When he reached out to sniff her, she didn't back away. In fact, she reached her own out to inspect him, as well. He didn't smell like a loner. He smelled like a bunch of different wolves all at once- a pack wolf. 

Experimentally, she attempted to shove her nose against his shoulder in a playful motion. She hoped he would realize it as such, and not think it was an aggressive move. Her jaws opened in a smile and her tail wagged happily behind her.

Phoenix was outright delighted that his company was both friendly and without reserve. Overly shy wolves tended to annoy him, and perpetual grumps were just no fun at all. This golden-eyed fairy showed no signs of either. He accepted the brush of her muzzle with a sharp grin and dive of his forefront into a play-inducing bow. Phoenix knew no better way to get to know someone than to roughhouse with them. Though certainly not the most tactful form of bonding at times, the young wolf would employ his willingness to play at any chance he got.

From the low point of his bend, he looked up at her, eyes twinkling impishly: Show me what you got!

Sorry! Thanks for your patience through my absence.