He wasn't sure how it came to be that he was lost here, but Solaris rarely had explanations for how he ended up anywhere. When he and his brother had travelled, for example, it had taken them months to find their way back to their family. Thank Sari they did, too, because Astley had been so close to killing him. Was he really that obnoxious? Well, maybe. In an case, here he was, lost somewhere in this wide open space with no clue where to find water. It wasn't terribly hot outside, being autumn, but he had been on the move for quite some time and the effects were making themselves painfully known. Slowly winding to a stop, he swayed lightly on his feet, squinting his eyes in effort to extend his vision. It looked like there were some trees in the distance, but he couldn't be quite sure. Nothing else thus far had risen above the horizon in such a way. The only thing that offered anyshade were the sparse bushes that made up the chaparral. He imagined this place was similar to Ananta in the summer, though back home there were lots of cliffs and there was a river. Steeling his resolve, Solaris pushed onward, determined to find water to quench this thirst. Running through the western area was a bad idea in retrospect, but what was done was done, right? He just had to stay positive! He'd find water and he'd drink enough to swell his belly up like a tick. Sounded like a good plan. What felt like at least twelve but was probably only a mile and a half went by at a grueling pace, but he had reached the trees. To his utter delight, they were willows, which meant water was inevitably nearby. The hangdog look vanished from his face, segueing into one of utter delight. The breeze picked up the long strands of the trees, and they brushed against him as if gently leading the way. At the center of the gathering was just what he was looking for. It was no lake, but it was big enough to do, and he could see fish below the surface and frogs on the bank. Wagging his tail furiously, Solaris spared no time speeding toward the lake, jumping into the pond with his mouth open. He gulped down big mouthfuls, relishing in the cool liquid as though it were ablutionary. Moments passed before he actually stopped drinking, taking a big breath and relaxing, his muzzle more or less resting on the surface. That was much, much better. "Speech"

(( Open to anyone since Keno is away for a while ))

Slowly, bit by bit, Arietta was learning just how different the mainland was from her home on Rikaru Island. The wolves here all carried so many scents, and there was a lot more of them to pass by. As of now Arietta had been traveling over the lands, mostly avoiding others. But it would only be a matter of time before she ran into another face to face. In some ways Arietta feared such an encounter. The smell of blood sometimes mingled with the wolf scents... or the scent of fear. What were these wolves really like? Would they turn on her? Would they bully her, or force her into slavery? Now that she had explored the world for herself, Arietta was scared of being alone... but more afraid for running into other wolves. Sure Io hadn't been bad... but... The wolfess could scent water nearby. She had been dodging scents all morning, using the willows as shelter. But as she took a step forward a new scent hit her nose. Male. He didn't smell of blood, nor aggression, but Arietta was cautious either way, walking as if she was walking on eggshells. Once she neared the source of the water, a lake, she peered through the bushes at the strange black brute. He wasn't looking her way at the moment, so she figured it would be safe to sneak a quick drink. Arietta quietly slipped out of the bushes, coming close to the edge of the water. She lowered her head, lapping up the cool liquid. If she was lucky the brute wouldn't notice her before she slipped away. Speech,