the difference between us

The bitter sting of the ocean's wind lashed against Áki's face. Of all the places he had explored during his four years on earth, the ocean was easily one of the most freeing. How he longed to see beyond the vast horizon, to explore all that the world had to offer him, and yet he knew such a thing was impossible. Instead he would settle for the world immediately within his reach. The soothing sound of the waves crashing against the sore was comforting for the chaotic brute and for a moment he found himself closing his eyes as he stood on the sandy shoreline. The roaring that came from the water echoed in his ears and a gentle smile played on his features.

He stood for a long moment, before he opened his eyes, the pungent salty aroma filling his nose. Though the chill of winter had since faded, the chill of the ocean air had begun to seep into his pelt. Shivering briefly, he would turn around, putting the ocean to his back. Massive paws would carry the beast the way he had came, a slow walk evolving into a more brisk pace as he began to pad beside one of the rivers that let out into the sea. It was a few moments of aimless walking before he saw him in the distance -- a dusty brown wolf, completely unfamiliar to him. It came as no surprise that he did not recognize the male. His acquaintances were spread all across the lands, as he rarely stayed in one place for long. "Greetings," he would call out from a distance, his pace slowing at the stranger came more clearly into view. There was no harm in being friendly, and he was never one to pass down a conversation, however dull or interesting it might prove to be.