Hushed Willows Pacific

Her demeanor and posture permitted Njord nearer. At this distance, he could better observe the sheen of the stranger’s plush winter pelage and the slim cut of her feminine jaw. An intelligent gaze of acorn brown sat neatly above chiseled cheekbones – features that evoked the memory of Nova Peak’s unforgiving snowcapped spires.

She was wild… like the howling wind or cold seaspray on the cliffs.

Their whiskers barely touched as Njord sidled beside her, his body bowing like a crescent as they transitioned into the typical yin-yang formation of two wolves meeting for the first time.

The man postured, imbued by her scent. His red tail waved stiffly with interest, though the seawolf’s blue eyes remained soft. Respectful.

Exousia.

“Njord,” he responded with a hearty roll of the tongue.

He perceived the tautness of her muscles – and suddenly tested it!

Like a great falling pine, Njord telegraphed his movements with generous anticipation. His lips curled back, gnashing at the air with a low growl, and his broad paws slapped the ground to spook the woman into flight, ready to chase her from this land.

It was a harrowing game.