A Momentary Rest

His attention gained, Wind felt some of her dismay ebb when she caught sight of blue eyes that shone with life and a smile - things she hadn't seen in such a long time they were nearly foreign to her. It was followed by such an enthusiastic greeting Kuwindwa couldn't help but mentally backpedal, almost as alarmed by the friendliness as she might have been by aggression. The woman's demeanor shifted when she knew she was not threatened directly by the boy. While not outright friendly, the nervous wag of her tail stopped and she dared move a little closer to get a better whiff of his scent... he had been with other wolves. The distinct pack-smell was hard to miss.

"Hello," she offered after a moment, her own tone subdued, though not unkind. She offered no smile, but an unconscious curve had formed on her lips as she observed the younger wolf, though her sharp eyes retained the wary, world-weary look. "Are you out here alone?" She needed to ascertain she was in no immediate danger from others who might be around to protect this pup. He couldn't even be a year old - was easily younger. So while her first concern was her own safety, undeniably she recognized her old habits kicking in as well: this youngster was alone and he shouldn't be. Besides that, his greeting was so forthright, she was almost worried.

Sometimes Kuwindwa missed the days when she was so care-free... but then, she could never be that again no matter how hard she tried. There were always too many dangers, too many mouths needing food, whelps seeking shelter...