The Next Step Forward [Célestin]

Another sigh, one of contentment left him as his eyes tracked the movement of the water, the gentle swaying of the water enough to whisk him into a faint lull. Relaxation as hadn't touched him since his mother's passing settled over him in the quiet of the nighttime gloom, and he blinked slowly, allowing the need for rest to settle over him. It was then that he noted the sounds of another approaching and with sudden, renewed alertness, he stood, shaking his fur clean as the man's words filtered into pinched ears. His gaze landed on the man, and he . . . blinked. First, the wolf with stripes of ivory in his black pelt and now, a wolf with the color of nature's own variegation adorning him. What was it with this land? Were all wolves born with the gods' own touch in their blood?

Dove was about to ask just that when it occurred to him the apprehension in the man's gaze and stance. He regarded him coolly before bowing his head slightly. "It's no problem," he told the stranger. Dove glanced again to the waning crescent in the sky. He stayed where he was as he directed his stare back to the man. No ill intentions seemed to be the purpose of his stroll here tonight, and as Dove let his gaze fall back on his motley pelt, he introduced himself. "I am Dove, new to this land." His voice was light, not welcoming but there should be no consternation detected as he bore no animosity towards the man. "Do you know what these falls are called, per chance?"

The words were formal and questing for information on the new land he was determined to call his own. A light wind swept through the clearing between them, but it was not in his favor so he could not catch the man's scent. He stopped the frown before it came, keeping both his expression and his body relaxed. Frustrating, to be unable to glean every bit of information he needed to determine this situation, but it was easily dealt with. He was certain that the next few moments would determine if this man was friend, acquaintance, or foe.