Cassiel had none of the aches and pains of age that his grumpy demeanor might suggest, not actually being an old man despite his cantankerous mien, but the hot steam of the hot springs still felt good in the chill of the autumn air. The water in hot springs was said to have healing properties, he knew, and he believed the steam itself rising from them would prove valuable in treating certain respiratory issues. He wondered if the hottest springs would be even more useful if he threw certain herbs in them to add to the steam. He'd heard it was possible.

Wandering among them as the steam formed little droplets on the ends of his ruff and whiskers, he wondered how he could replicate the springs' uses in his own nomadic existence. He had no particular wish to stay here, but imagine being able to have hot water any time to mix hot poultices, or soak injuries, or make decoctions. Maybe if he found some way of harnessing fire, as humans once did... but it wasn't particularly convenient to feed a fire as a lone wolf, on the off chance that you might need it, then to devise some way of carrying a coal with him in his wanders and keep it alive until he kindled another fire.

The beast had left the North for the time being as their paws lead them deeper into the unfamiliar lands of Boreas. They were no stranger to loneliness and the feelings it left upon their heart… but Melanthios pressed on regardless. It was a strange feeling… but it was only a temporary situation. Melanthios had gone from being around so many others in the Empire that they now didn’t know what to make of the silence, and yes, sometimes it was almost too much to bear… But Melanthios was a strong wolf. They would make it through these times… and eventually, perhaps, they might even become blessed with a traveling companion.

They had found themselves in a curious part of Boreas though… Boreas, the land they now called home it seemed. But these lands were strange… different from the vast mountain range that the Empire had called home. Ears perked and their fiery eyes took in a sight before them that was most puzzling.

Before them lay water… yet steam, as if the water was on fire, rose from the depths. Mela watched this for a long moment, wondering how, why the water would be that hot. Would it burn if it touched them, they wondered? The beast took a step forth, the steam admittedly feeling nice. They were used to cold… but warmth was certainly nicer. It made them feel calm, relaxed, at ease. They were about to test to see just how hot the water was when movement beyond the pool they were at caught their attention.

A dark furred stranger was in this area too it seemed. They way he moved, almost feline-like, caught Melanthios’ attention and the beast canted their head to the side. A stranger… a possible conversation. A possible friend. A possible enemy.

Melanthios was not one to be daunted away from an interaction regardless if it’d be good or bad. Raising their head they let out a sharp bark in hopes of catching the other wolf’s attention. How the stranger would react, well, that would be seen in just a moment.