This world I created for myself...

Esa relaxed some more as Faye sat quietly, listening to her describe her homelands, and what she could remember of it. She wondered what the she-wolf meant when she said it was probably nothing compared to what she was used to. She would find out as Fayelon delved into her troubled and harsh past, speaking as though merely thinking out loud. Esa was surprised that it all came out so suddenly, as Faye had seemed so secretive just moments ago. But perhaps she felt at ease around Esa, at least she hoped so. The more she spoke, the more Esarosa began to realize why Faye seemed a little odd. Her entire upbringing was riddled with violence and adversity - she realized then that she was speaking to a wolf raised amongst those she'd only heard nightmarish stories about. Like the wolves of Mount Muerta, the vicious enemies of her birthpack, who had grown more bold and unpredictable since she was born and her mother departed. No wonder Faye had been so on edge during their initial greeting - by nature and by habit, she seemed to be expecting conflict.

Suddenly Esarosa felt that maybe Fayelon was more normal than she initially gave her credit for. As the story of Faye's past opened further, Esa felt herself drawn in, appalled at her father's desires and actions against her. When Faye paused, no longer stirring the water calmly with her forepaw, Esa held her breath. Then Faye looked over her should at her, but not making eye contact. She spoke once more, and Esarosa felt her heart race again. Fayelon was admitting to slaughtering her own kin. She didn't know what to say to the she-wolf, who seemed to be wracked with guilt and worry, but not admitting to fear. Surely she could fend for herself if someone came after her, but it was clear that her past weighed heavily on her. Esa lifted a paw, her gaze shifting from side to side, then she stood slowly, allowing herself to glance just briefly upon Faye. "Well, hey, maybe you just need a day to relax," she said in all her youthful naivety, "We could swing from the willows and lounge in the stream... and maybe there's some fish to be caught. If we stick together, no one will want to come after you. Safety in numbers, right?" Having never met aggressive wolves before, she didn't know of the vicious tricks dangerous wolves could play, nor how far they would go for the taste of blood. She just hoped she could convince Faye to brighten up.