iron sharpens iron

Zoey was settling well into the Menagerie. Everything was still within an adjustment period - as well as acclimating her body to the frigid North rather than the more mild-weathered South she was used to - but she was young and flexible. That helped immensely with getting used to a new pack. A new life, yet again. The hope the yearling had upon being taken into Abaven lingered ever so slightly in her eyes - shielded by goggles yet easy to see and observe all the same. But she was still hurt. Saddened. In some ways, a little broken. Homes came and went. So did the people she trusted. That was Zoey all right - she poured her entire heart into trusting others that, when they left (even if not by their own fault), it tore her soul to shreds, again and again. The russet woman knew she'd get her motivation back, but she'd be lying if she said it was an overnight shift. Emotional healing, just like physical wounds, took time.

Wren had wished for them to meet, and Zoey was a bit excited, and a bit nervous to finally meet one-on-one with her mentor. Picking up the pace, the lithe girl - still seemingly growing into her lanky limbs - trotted towards the ochre and cinnamon-furred leader with perked ears and a genuine, but small smile. The Warden asked if she was settling in okay, greeting her kindly. Zoey nodded. "Hello, Miss Wren. I'm doing okay, no problems," Zoey said, voice youthful and kind, but still undertoned with uncertainty and a grip of sadness she still couldn't shake. Her gaze was outlined by bags under her eyes, indicating nights of fitful, nightmare-plagued slumber. But she was happy to be in a safe place, a new home, and the sunken eyes were overrun by a widening smile and a wag of her fluffy tail.

Wren then mentioned what she began studying in Abaven, what sort of start she had. Swallowing thickly, chasing away the memories of waking up to a pack that disappeared into thin air, she kept her tone as less shaky as she could by talking about what she was studying. "Um, er, I didn't get very far in my studies, truthfully. I did take a course in anthropology - that is the study of creatures called humans that once inhabited this continent - as well as exploring and studying various species of animals, plants, and old human relics." She loved these areas of study - it meant she could explore the land and take in what was once ruled by one species, only to be overtaken by another. Abaven began to encourage her growth in such an interest, and she only hoped the Menagerie would let her explore it, too. Would Wren even want to help her in such a field? Hopefully. She fell silent after talking, it was clear she was the cheerful, enthusiastic sort just begging to talk about her interests..but she said nothing else, her gaze drifted down to her white toes.

Speech