wish i had a river i could skate away on

She hadn't expected to hear any noise here. So many animals had scattered and left the plains behind that the soft bark of a familiar wolf rolled across the empty terrain like thunder. Theory's ears twitched and she turned, trying to pin down a figure to match the sound. Thalia. Her heart caught in her throat. Immediately she felt foolish for how she'd behaved last time they'd met - she had been so young and naive, even though it was only a scarce few months ago. Everything had changed.

Theory changed her course and made a beeline for the Abraxas. Although she held her head and tail high to signal her position in these lands, it was a mere formality. There wasn't a hint of malice or brag to the gesture - after a winter of patrolling Ibis, the stance had become second nature.

"Thalia," she said warmly, so glad to see a familiar face. The Abraxas girl had filled out since they'd last met and she carried her adult frame well. Theory dipped her head briefly to greet someone who she considered a good friend - even if their interactions from the past few seasons were childish and confusing. There was no pretense left, it had all been chiseled away. All that was left was a genuine affection and a strange excitement at seeing her again that Theory couldn't quite pin down.

Plenty of questions pinged in her brain. "Are you safe?" she asked first, her brows furrowed. "Did the volcano effect you in the deep south?" Theo had been so wrapped up in keeping Abaven safe during the eruption that she hadn't given much thought to the impact it might have had on other packs. "Are you... alright?" she added softly. There must be a reason that she came this far into Boreas.