Time gone past

He could sense her hesitance in her posture as she moved further from behind the stones, but her willingness to venture closer bode well for a lasting interaction. She consented, settling her frame near the fire. He could see her gradually begin to relax as the heat soothed her worries, goading her into a sense of safety. He watched quietly, his companion pouring her a cup of the tea as well before backing away with a small bow and sitting several feet away, waiting to see if she could be of more service.

She offered her name and an explanation as to why she’d been out and about, as well as a question, quite proper in an introduction. The name Abaven sounded familiar, and he racked his brain to remember why that was. Then, he remembered. It was a pack to the North East of Ashen, not quite allies but not enemies either. Neutral would be the word. Normally he wasn’t reserved, but he had also learned to take the lead and hints from others. She was relaxing in his presence, but still slightly on guard and likely would be for a while yet. It would be best to slowly insert his charming personality, rather than all at once he thought. “Genji Raijin at your service, my lady Theory,” he replied, dipping his head in a bow. “But please, call me Raijin. Genji is far too stuffy,” he added, flashing another grin and taking a sip of his tea. “Yes, I’ve traveled quite far. About a month and a half’s trip from here to my homeland and another back, though I much prefer Boreas. My cousin has set himself up south of here with a wife, children and pack of his own, so I’m taking a little respite here before heading that way,” he explained.

“Were you scouting for anything in particular? Perhaps I can help,” he offered. If she was looking for prey or herds, he wouldn’t mind delaying himself by a day to lend her a paw. Those bright, intelligent blue eyes intrigued him, and he wanted to stay in their presence a little longer.