Whitefish River that's a lot of fish

Summer was truly entering its prime. Finally.

Although she fancied the cold and dreaded the heat, there was no denying just how plentiful the warmth could be. The days had only grown longer and the temperatures, harsher. But with such strong weather came fresh berries, plump prey, and new life. It was a tolerable trade. Whether or not it was fair depended on who you asked, but Lenina was quite content with how the seasons had progressed thus far.

Footsteps were mere taps across the ground, strides long as she carried herself towards the nearby river. Her dry throat longed for a sip of water, eyes latched onto the view ahead as if narrowing in on a meal. Thankfully she had arrived within minutes, dipping her head without hesitation and quenching her thirst.

Searching for fish among the rippling waves was not a priority. But perhaps a quick snack to accompany her drink was also an option if the opportunity presented itself. Regardless, she was satisfied for now, tongue catching any droplets falling from her chin as she looked on with a sigh.

Although Lenina had rarely felt loneliness, she could sense it creeping up after months alone during her journey back to Teekons.

Was there ever a day the young girl had gone without feeling like she was missing something?

Pretend as she might, but Yukimi still had yet to adjust in this place that wasn't home. The valley of stars was not here anymore, and even if they weren't treated like much it was still home. She was greatful to have found a friend in @Ashkova, who's willingness to travel with the snowbird gave her relief that she won't be doing it alone. Yet homesickness latched firmly against her back no matter how hard she tried to stay optimistic.

Yuki would find them again....wouldn't she?

The scent trail of another made her thoughts come to a halt, a black nose twitching curiously at the air. A coyote -- or was it a wolf.....both? No, that can't be right. So she went to investigate for herself, black paws tapping through the open grass path until the song of the streams graced her ears -- and finally, a picture came into view. 

A strawberry blonde coat -- like the summer that came down upon them. The woman drank from the stream quietly, only rising her head to look ahead -- though Yuki thought it was because of her for a second. 

Hi! 

Her head peaked at the woman through a thicket of bushes, while her tassle swayed behind her like a pendulum. "Who was this? She's pretty!", the little snowbird thought to herself.

Consumed by her thoughts, Lenina had hardly noticed the incoming stranger until already face to face. Up ahead stood an unusually dainty figure, pale in color all except for a head engulfed in black.

Although it was always best to remain cautious, it seemed unlikely a tussle would occur based on the relatively relaxed atmosphere. Even if one did, the woman assumed she'd have a decent chance of winning such a confrontation. But, until any danger was noted, her stance remained calm and friendly, a slight sway in her tail and lips lifted upwards.

Lightly dipping her head as a nod in acknowledgement of the greeting, she responded with one of her own.

"Hello, there."

Yuki's glee ignited -- a shared smile, just for her! It seemed that the wolves on this island....land? Whatever this place was -- weren't so bad after all. Everyone -- at least all she'd encountered so far, seemed freindly enought to match her own speed.

Slowly shuffling out the bushes, the snowbird slunk her way closer to the woman who, now that she looked closer, appeared a bit older than her -- but not terribly so. 

Hi, completely ignoring the fact that she already said hi, Yuki continued, You're really pretty. Your fur kind of reminds me of cherry blossoms, have you ever seen them before? there was a short pause, when the young girl turned to look back and lash her tail, clearing out a couple of leaves that got stuck in its hairs, before turning back to the blonde fae.

Oh, and my name's Yuki. What's yours?

He slowly padded one large paw ahead of the other, quietly and rather unworried in his posture. Ram's eyes were half closed to accommodate the bright sun, and his ears were relaxed atop his wide head. Though quiet and lonely, he was satisfied with the stillness of the area and its residents. He had managed to slip by territories without attracting attention and frankly, wasn't in the mood for it. Ram's depressive mood made him feel lonely and want to remain alone-- A behavior a little unlike the standard for whence he came and who he normally was. It was nice to disengage his guard once in a while.
     As the rusty male approached the bank of the river, the tall grasses parting way to expose him, he hesitated to enjoy the breeze. Oh... Ram inhaled repeatedly, tasting a slight scent that drifted in on the air. I suppose my solitude was bound to be interrupted eventually... His rusty red fur stood on end at the thought. However, whoever they were, they seemed to be ahead of him a little way, upstream. At least he retained the opportunity to skirt by unnoticed if he chose to. After a moment of being lost in recollection of prior rivalries with other males whom he had known, his bristles relaxed, and he stared back at the cool water lapping at his toes. Ironic. he thought, as he should be lapping at it. 
     As he finished his drink, Ram investigated the river, traveling the way toward the stranger but only cautiously, more focused on what morsel he could rip from the waves. He was still hungry. Fortunate enough to find small bites frequently in the bountiful summertime, but nothing substantial. If he were honest, fish probably wouldn't be satisfactory either. He hadn't tasted red blood in a some time. Venison or some other hoofed animal. He enjoyed those the most. Ram shrugged. Not likely as a loner. He waded through the current focused on what was in front of him, slowly glancing intently.

It seemed the wolf standing before her was rather excitable. And although the woman couldn't quite match such energy, she tried nonetheless to aid in brightening the air. Considering this was the first face she'd seen since arriving back in Teekons, it was well worth the effort.

It appeared no scuffle would occur between the two, so Lenina shifted her posture and simply took a seat.

As for the compliments, well, admittedly they were not expected but still appreciated. She had never been outright called "pretty" before, and although a bit strange, it was nice to hear.

Smile widening, she shook her head in response to the question.

"I can't say I have, though they must be quite beautiful."

There was the slightest moment of hesitation, unsure whether it was a smart move to give her name freely. But the thought was fleeting. "As for my name, it is Lenina."

Unbeknownst to her, another wolf would soon approach, one who she hadn't sensed coming.

Ah, they are! Yuki practically beamed at what she'd assumed was the woman's curiosity, waving her tassle happily. Perhaps it wasn't even curiosity, or the woman never asked in the first place; the snowbird took it as an opportunity to expand on it.

They are these large, sweet smelling trees from my home. she explained thoughtfully During the springtime, thousands of tiny pink flowers bloom. Most of them fall and cover the floors -- its my favorite part about spring. The girl subconsciously found herself on her own haunches the moment the other did. A recollection of the past came to her mind -- of times where her and her family would find themselves outside the dens just to enjoy the colors the season introduced.

Wandering, ice-peirced eyes that were once on the sky now came back to the summer fae. A humorous grin lace her lips. You aren't pink like a flower, persay, but similar.  In a way that reminds me of spring! -- and her name was Lenina, and equally pretty name! In truth, her looks drew her in the most because she reminded her of her mother, who had blonde fur in comparison to most of her family's looks. Not that Yuki would mention that -- she didn't want to seem like a weirdo.

Lenina~ She cooed. Do you live he-

But her attention was quickly drawn away by the sound of splashing nearby, turning a head over her shoulder to look -- caught off guard.