Tired of Being Lonely

Qanik was so tired and so lost in her own self pity that she completely missed the approach of another wolf to her hidden resting place. It was only when she heard a voice address her that she realized anyone was there. She whipped her head up, fur bristling in alarm, to see another wolf.

She took a moment to assess the situation and regain her balance mentally. Female wolf. Taller than Qanik, but built lighter and she looked younger. Less experienced, maybe? Not something that could be depended on, and she looked fairly rested while Qanik herself was worn out.

Qanik cast a glance and a sniff at the forest around them, but the other wolf seemed to be alone. She didn't smell like she belonged to a pack, but again, not safe to assume. She could be a scout, away from the pack long enough for their scent to have faded. Better to err on the side of caution.

The white wolf levered herself carefully to her feet to put herself on more even footing with the black female.

"I'm just passing through," she said warily. "Taking a break to rest my paws, that's all. Not looking to encroach on anyone's land."

But it felt like a lie to say she was only passing through, and she didn't want it to see like she was hiding anything, so she added, "I'm looking for a pack to join up with, if they'll have me. Name's Qanik."