Wandering the Abandoned, [aw]

[kehadra]

Kehadra's paws stepped carefully into the warm water, a tingling sensation rushing up her leg, into her chest and down her spine. It was a nice feeling, however, so her second forefoot stepped in. The feeling repeated itself, warming the she-wolf both mentally and physically. This was very refreshing and a nice way to start her day.

Timidly, her head lowered itself to the waters' surface. Did this water taste nice? It was warm, leaning onto being hot, and she wasn't sure if this was what she liked. However, the blood of prey was warm, and that was satisfactory for her, was it not? Considering such an idea she gave the hot springs a chance, and from between her slightly parted jaws a pink tongue was revealed.

Half her muzzle was in the water now, as canines drank differently to felines; they drank 'backwards'. The cat curves it's tongue in a special way and throws droplets into its mouth, whereas the dog's muzzle was at a certain angle and they sucked in the water, their tongue's pushing it down the gullet.

Of course, Kehadra didn't actually know this, but she did observe the way cougars and such drank. It was rather different to the way she did, at least, but it wasn't a subject she dwelled on for very long as it didn't particularly interest her. Not many things did, actually, when she looked at them.

The water was clean and pure, very refreshing. She cherished every sip as it cleansed her inside-out. Her eyes closed for a few seconds and it increased the taste. It was sweeter than any river she'd even drunk from. But she couldn't drink all the water as her belly began to fill, so her head lifted once more, droplets of water falling from her white, furry chin.

She walked further into the water until it came past her flanks. At this point she did a very brave thing and lifted her paws off the ground, as if by magic, she flew. Her legs kicked the stiff water, her nose in the steam and mist. It was a rather enchanting thing, and she loved it very much. But soon after her limbs tired, and so she stopped by replacing her paws on the firm earth.

She hauled herself out and set herself down beside one of the many springs, looking about the foothills which hid her from other wolves, or where other wolves were watching her. Whichever was the case she was either in great danger or great safety. And at that moment in time she didn't particularly care.

[Word Count: 428]

[zahiryn]

Hazel orbs gazed at the she-wolf that had just emerged from the warm water at the base of the foothills in which he lay hidden. He had watched her since her silhouette had appeared on the other side of the hot springs. His pelt bristled on end as she neared but he did not pick up the feeling of danger from her.

Cautiously he stood from where he was previously hidden and slowly made his way down towards the springs. He deliberately made his path to walk five yards in front of her. Zahiryn walked past her without so much as a flinch to show he noticed her presence.

Lowering his muzzled to the clear water he drank his fill as he had so many times before. He had wandered to this land in hopes of finding a place where he would be able to rest for a short while; someplace where he would be able to spend the cold winter months that were drawing close. There was already a light dusting of snow on the ground higher up in the hills and would undoubtedly be here soon.

He finished his drink and turned around to face the female once more. His pink tongue slipped from its cave and made away around his lips, clearing off the remaining water droplets that still clung to his fur. He dipped his head in a friendly hello and sat back onto his haunches.

This was his way of initiating a conversation. He had never been one to say the first words and probably never will. He also never volunteered information that was not asked of him. His answers were short and direct, never elaborated or drawn out. This was what his way of life had done to him. First raised to not speak unless spoken to and then living a life where a wolf rarely saw another let alone conversed with anyone.