We Are Stained with the Blood of Stars

The sound of a voice startled Deity from her calm. She twisted her head, piercing eyes alighting on a dark-furred female. She hadn’t caught her scent, nor had she heard her approach. The sulfuric smell of the springs must have drowned out any inkling of a strangers’ presence. She knew not how long the stranger had been there, watching, nor did Deity know what company she had with her. What kind of threat did she pose, if any? She watched the stranger splash spring water all over herself and curse. Okay. Maybe she didn’t pose a threat. Deity noted that the dark she-wolf seemed to find the spring unpleasant— information that could aid her if a scuffle ensued.
Of course these thoughts were merely precautionary, instinct that had been hammered into from puphood. Being a loner was liberating, but dangerous.
Trust is not a currency that can be given freely.
Deity stood, posturing herself to appear tall and imposing. She angled her ears forward, and braced all four feet on the mossy earth. Her form wasn’t aggressive, but it sent the message that she was prepared to defend herself if need be. She kept her hackles down, not wanting to seem too hostile. As much as she wanted to be aloof and untrusting, it had been... months, at least, since she’d spoken to another wolf.
“Hello. Who are you? What are you doing here?” Deity asked, trying to keep a level tone. She caught herself before she could ask how long the female had been standing there. She didn’t want to broadcast her lack of perception to the world.