Her thoughts were her own, rattling about in the back of her skull as dark eyes narrowed at shapes beyond the archway. There was no telling for sure what it might have been, but the occasional ripple against the ice made her think there could be water in that direction. Water? Out here in the cold boonies of the North where nothing survived. It was a laughable thought, but becoming more palpable with every step she took, paws tired and pads torn against the sharp, icy floor.
'Perdere? Stai bene?' Ootat moved so quickly she put her balance off, stumbling against the wind and back-pedaling. What!? instinct demanded attention and she was very close to giving in, but upon closer observation she discovered the source of the disturbance. A wolf, a rather large and stocky wolf who looked to be faring much better than she against the raging torrent. Ootat eyed him up and down, taking in as much detail as she could from as little as she knew. His scent was blown in the opposite direction, making it even more difficult to get an accurate reading. All she had was his strange, lilting accent and the gentle cock of his head to go by. Surely any creature that could not have the courtesy to speak the common tongue was not to be trusted? Her mind crooned, lips tightening as her muscles slowly contracted, re-adjusting to the temperature. Perhaps... or maybe he was in the same boat she was, wandering this place out of hopeless curiosity with the idea of proving nature wrong. In that case, he was definitely no smarter. It was a slow process for the adrenaline to drain out of her legs and the sleek length of her body to unwind, but in the end she stood tall and unmoved. "I am afraid.." she began, "that I do not understand."
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