Mid-Morning Drink

Walk | Talk | Think

The water from the lake was perfect, satisfying her thirst while helping cool the cat down as it eased the feel of the summer heat upon the air. Had it not been very obviously wolf territory, she supposed even with the lack of rocky edges that such a place would have been appealing to wandering passersby. Savoring the quiet, the stillness, the amber-eyed cougar allowed herself to relax there along the edge of the lake, pausing as she licked her muzzle and listened to the woods that encircled the body of water. Still no noise to alert of approach, of an angered pack hell bent on punishing her for crossing into their land. But for how much longer?

She had dipped her muzzle down to the water for a second drink when she heard the first sounds, so faint that she thought they might have come from afar. Her ears turned to listen upon her head just seconds before the voice, near enough to have exited the treeline too, spoke to her. The water at Laila's paws was forgotten as her body tensed within its crouched position, not daring to move with the fear that more silent canines lurked out of sight just begging for an excuse to make themselves known. Only one spoke, her tone guarded yet respectful, but knowing the likelihood that she would receive hostility rather than hospitality she was not keen on letting her guard down so quickly all because of one tolerant individual.

From her right side, well out of harm's way, the white wolf approached, and slowly Laila angled her head toward her to take in her form. Taller, certainly, but no young thing, the wolf informed her of whose territory she was presently trespassing on as well as her own name and station. Alpha. Well, what a privilege that was. Did that mean that there were others lurking about nearby, awaiting their leaders orders? "No. So long as you and yours don't mean me harm," the wary cougar answered, eyes shifting away from the wolf to peer around them at the trees. Nothing. Maybe she was wrong after all. "I'm Laila," she added in an attempt at cordiality as her gaze wandered back to the Alpha of Valhalla, Erani, forcing her muscles to relax and loosen a little where she crouched, not wishing to make this singular wolf uneasy knowing she still had a pack at her disposal.