The young man trotted at a brisk pace. He had completed his tests and now just wanted to get out of the bitter weather. His thick coat protected him for the worst of the cold but he certainly wasn't immune to it. He would like to postpone the cold nights as long as possible. During his travels, a soft roar caught his attention. At first, he continued as though he heard nothing. Winter was coming fast and he didn't want to be caught in the north during it. However, curiosity got the better of him. How could he just ignore something new?

As he neared, the sound of crashing waves and waterfalls became louder and louder until he reached the edge of the cliff. He stood on a rocky outcrop overlooking the canyon, the waterfalls in the distance but still loud in his ears. The view was beautiful. The sea to his left and a mountain to his right, shrouded in clouds and fog. The only view he didn't like was down.

The waves smashed into the rocky cliffs with force, sounding as though they were trying to tear the continent in half. Sharp towers of rock poked through the water, threatening to impale anyone that was unlucky enough to fall. The liquid foamed and snarled like a wrathful wolf, attempting to draw in its prey.

He rapidly took a few steps back, ears pinned to the back or his head. Maybe he shouldn't stand so close to the edge.

Kai had decided to take some time and head north, deciding the fall was an ideal time to become reacquainted with lands that had once been quite familiar. Though he'd enjoyed the company of a few wolves, he'd found a pawful who's attitudes hadn't exactly pleased him. Not one to get agitated by others, he decided that some alone time might be best for him. If he was lucky, maybe he'd even find a familiar face in these parts. He hadn't seen hide nor hair of either Aggie or Jouko for some time, and he hadn't seen any family members in even longer. At least being up north, whether he found anyone he knew or not, would give him some quiet solitude which he intended to take full advantage of. Intent was the key word, for as soon as he made the exhausting trek over Fenrir's Maw - and took shelter for the night in the forest to the north - the scent of a stranger touched his nose. Despite his desire for solitude, his journey so far had been quite a lonely one and the thought of company was something he rarely turned away from. Curious, Kai pressed on further, trailing after the scent until it was stronger, though was becoming mixed with the briny scent of the ocean up ahead. His attention was captured by the roar of the sea's waves as it crashed against the shore, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he made his way up the slight incline toward the cliff's edge. He noticed someone standing near the ledge, and his ears immediately pricked forward in interest. Not wanting to be the one to startle this wolf and send them sprawling over the edge, he let out a low bark at a decent distance, hopeful that he'd be heard over the distance. As he drew closer, he kept that same safe distance, though his attention only lingered on Novis before focusing on the scenery ahead of him. Straight ahead there was a small rocky island, lined with young spruce trees, and in the distance an even larger island that lay closer to the eastern coast of Boreas. Of course, to the east there was Mount Volkan, looming threateningly in the distance, and to the west... well, a vast expanse of tundra, some of the lands already capped in snow and ice. What really caught his attention was the sharp drop that led straight to the sea, surely a fall nobody could realistically survive, but the sight thrilled him instead of worried him. Did it really matter if he accidentally fell in? That sort of death would be a painless one, he'd presume, so worrying about it was fruitless. "Gorgeous, isn't it?" Kai asked conversationally, half tempted to make a more suggestive comment, but deciding against it. He was in a pensive mood rather than a flirtatious one, and he offered a simple smile to the creature beside him as he spoke. "TALK" "YOU" THINK

His ears perked at the voice of another, a bark behind him. He twisted his head to see a stranger in the distance, closing the space between them. He sat down and smiled lightly in a subtle show of passivism; he didn't want this man to see him as a threat. As the man neared, he turned his attention back to the mountains. His paws itched to find what was at the top, or at least he yearned to see the view from up there. However, the winter cold and his lack of good climbing skills had put a barrier between him and his wants. He would have to wait till spring to attempt such a dangerous feat. He was hopeful the sight would be worth it in the end.

By the time he had finished his thought, the male had come up beside him, though still with some space between them. The man spoke, bringing up the beauty of the scenery that surrounded them. Novis simply nodded at first, inhaling the salty scent as though he was breathing in the area's magnificence itself. "It sure is. Sometime's when I find a site like this I want to sit there forever." He replied in an artificially deepened voice, though he tried his best to make it sound natural. He had failed to mention that every beautiful object compelled him to stay, even if it was just one tiny flower. Hunger or the need to explore further forced him away from his subject, but more often than not he would find another shiny object to fascinate over just a few miles away.

"I tend to travel around looking for places like this. It's a nice way to spend your time when you have nothing else to do. You get to see sights like this every day and meet new people if you're lucky enough." He would pause for a moment, taking in another eye-full of the scenery before continuing. "Speaking of, I'm Novis!" His soft smile slowly grew into a grin as he turned to the stranger. "What brings you here?"

Novis was considerably smaller than him... but then again, most wolves in these lands were, and it didn't come as much of a surprise to him anymore. His own posture was relaxed as he approached, his tail curling lazily above his back as he took in the gorgeous view that spread out in front of them. If he noticed the way Novis purposefully spoke in a deeper voice, he paid no mind to it - that, or he simply didn't care. Kai didn't give a damn about how others presented themselves, so long as their interactions with him were ones he deemed enjoyable. And if he found himself not enjoying himself, well.. he was quick to head on his own way. Currently, though, he found this new company quite interesting, and he fixed his gaze on Novis as he spoke up. "I know the feeling," he sighed in quiet agreement. There was too much beauty in the world to not make the most of every day, as far as he was concerned, especially when one found places like this to stop and rest. Kai could relate to the feeling of being pulled all across the land, searching for whatever called to him. One day he was content to wander beneath familiar trees, and the next he might feel inclined to set off somewhere entirely new. It was a joy to find like-minded souls, wolves unconcerned with politics and with things that quite frankly didn't matter much, at least in his eyes. "Name's Kai Jarvela," he replied to the other wolf's greeting, flashing him an easy grin in response. The slight accent came through as he spoke his name, a small remnant of his father's influence on him, despite otherwise sounding like majority of the wolves here. "I have no real reason. I think I'll be heading north to spend the rest of the season there. Good hunting this time of year, I've heard," he added conversationally, his grin growing into that characteristically cheeky one that was rarely far from his lips.  "And what about you, handsome?" The deeper inflection on the other wolf's voice told him that term was fitting, despite the somewhat ambiguous scent that wafted from Novis. Words didn't really matter to him - he'd be just as glad to be called pretty as handsome, personally - but he'd only said what seemed fitting in the moment, given how the wolf presented himself. "TALK" "YOU" THINK

Novis took note of the wolfs name and listened to his reasoning for going up north. He found it humorous considering how he had just come from there. The wolf's addition was what caught the most of his attention. Handsome! He was just called handsome! A giddy smile plastered itself on his face, returning every time he tried to regain his composure, accompanied by excited chuckles that he desperately tried to stifle. He had been called handsome before, back when he was a pup. His mother would call him that, thinking it was some strange game before she realized he was serious. It was nice to hear it again, especially from a stranger. He was too occupied reeling from the word that it took him a second to realize he should reply with a flirt of his own.

"That's funny; I just came from the north. There are these enormous ice towers there. If one catches the light just right, it casts a faint rainbow on snow under it. It's a real beautiful sight." He paused, looking the larger man over from the corner of his eye. "But I think I've found a nicer one right next to me," he added slyly.

His heart felt as though it was beating at one-hundred beats a second. Nervous butterflies fluttered in his stomach as he tried to judge the man's reaction. He always seemed more confident when he fantasized scenarios like this, however, in real time he had no time to think up the perfect reply. He just had to wing it and go with what sounds best at the moment, even if he found something better a few moments after he said it.

For a moment Kai watched Novis a bit more closely, watching the pleased smile that spread over his mismatched features. The enjoyment was clearly mirrored in his own contented expression, his smile never wavering. Novis admitted he'd just come from the north, describing a sight Kai swore he'd seen once before. He remembered a few lands that had towers made of ice, but one in particular had been quite the sight to behold. "I believe I've encountered those before. Definitely a lovely sight." Already Kai felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of finding even more natural wonders in his journey north, and the feeling only solidified his decision to spend the next season or two in the northern reaches of Boreas. The comment from Novis made his grin widen, obviously pleased with the compliment. "Glad we're on the same page," he concluded with a soft chuckle. After his encounter with the blue-faced woman some weeks ago, Kai couldn't shake the feeling that he was off his game slightly, so it was reassuring to know he hadn't lost his charm entirely. Perhaps unlike Novis's own more nervous reaction - not that he could see it outwardly - Kai wasn't one prone to overthinking things, and the only anxious feeling he felt was one of raw excitement. "So, you said you just came from the north," Kai started after a moment. "Where do you plan to go now?"

The man's smile widened, washing the anxiety away in a wave of relief. He didn't know why he was so worried; it was a simple comment. He made a mental note to have more faith in himself. Kai's positive reaction was already a nice confidence boost, but there was always room to improve, both in his confidence and his flirting skills.

Kai's question was an easy one in theory, but for a wanderer like Novis, there was no real answer. "Though I'm a fan of snow, I am not a fan of the cold that comes with it. I'm planning on heading south to look for warmer weather. I heard there's a bridge that brings you to an area where the seasons are switched. I'm thinking of heading there to wait out the winter and coming back here in the spring." He rambled, more thinking aloud than anything else. He just knew he wanted to look for someplace warm, preferably with lavender, to stay. The herbs here were going to die soon, and snow wasn't cutting it for hiding his scent. It worked, but the snowfall brought an unwelcomed, constant cold to his pelt that he would rather not deal with.

He is birth band tended to travel around the desert, so all he knew about the other territories were from rumors and gossip. He wasn't sure if this place was real or just a myth merchants told to sell their products. They did have facts to back up their stories, such as having dried herbs in the middle of winter, but he never was entirely sure. Worse comes to worst it turns out to be fake, and he has to deal with the cold. Not preferred but doable.

The flirtatious moment seemed to leave as quickly as it had arrived, but that was how Kai generally was. Truthfully he was more bark than bite, at least in regards to his rather promiscuous attitude. He was far more likely to flirt harmlessly than truly act on those thoughts. There was only one wolf he had true feelings for currently, and while that wouldn't stop him from... well, seeing what other options were out there for him, flirting was simply a natural part of his demeanor. At Novis's comment that he wasn't a big fan of the snow, he cocked his head curiously. "No? That's too bad," he mused conversationally. "I'm a big fan of it. It makes me feel... alive." His bloodline was meant for the north, with their oversized builds and thick coats - he often found himself feeling quite uncomfortable during the warmest months, though he'd been born in this continent and was mostly used to it by now. Still, he couldn't help the pull he felt to those more frigid lands. It was something in his blood, he was certain of it. Despite his interest in discussing all things cold and snowy, he felt a new distraction in Novis's next statement. A bridge that led to a different land that he intended to find? Interesting. "Can't say I've heard of that place. Huh." The interest was obvious in Kai's gaze as he brought it back up to Novis, lips pursed as he considered what he was saying. "Sounds like a grand adventure, if I do say so myself." He intended to keep this place in mind for the future, as somewhere else he could possibly explore.

Novis had no idea how a wolf could find the cold exhilarating. The feeling of the cold seeping into his fur and the constant shivering made him feel pathetic. He was a large, strong wolf yet a little cold weather was too much for him. Plus, after it snowed, everything was the same blank white. Novis lived for breath-taking scenery; it was one of the main reasons why he traveled. The snow often robbed places that made it beautiful. He would have to travel farther to find unique sights.

Though, he could admit that undisturbed snow was a beautiful sight to behold in certain places. Blanketing an entire field like a canvas waiting for him. During his short visit to the snowy north, he often found himself losing his composure and rolling in the snow like a pup only to feel miserably stiff after. He too had a thick coat, but it never seemed enough to keep the chilly wind from touching his skin. His coat was more used for intimidation, but he was thankful for it after finding out how cold snow really was. "I'm glad you can enjoy it. I look forward to watching others have fun in the snow." That is, if this fabled area turns out to be false. However, watching others appreciate what he can't would make the cold season more tolerable.

At the man's interest is his quest, happily started to elaborate. "Pretty cool, huh? I'm not sure if it's real or not; I've only heard of it through gossip. I don't see any reason it wouldn't exist, so why not look for it? Nothing ventured, nothing gained." He shrugged casually before continuing. "I think the bridge is called the bi... The Bifrost? Ya, that sounds right. I can't quite remember what the place's name is but I'll figure it out before I get there... maybe... All I know is that the bridge is on the southern coast of the continent, so I plan on taking a look around there to see if I can find it." He purposely dropped the directions in his sentences; just in case Kai would be intrested in finding the site as well.

Why he found the cold weather so exhilarating, well, Kai couldn't easily explain. There was something intoxicating in the unforgiving weather of the north, in the way the wind seemed to cut straight to his core; there was breathtaking beauty to be found in even the most desolate, stark terrain, and then.. there were his family's beloved reindeer, which was just another reason for him to long for the northern lands. Novis didn't seem so convinced, though, and his comment told Kai that much. He let loose a low chuckle, remembering the encounters he'd had up north in his younger years, skating on the slick ice and exploring the vast snowdrifts that seemed so common in those lands. "Bit of a voyeur, are we?" Kai teased lightly at his comment, though his voice was more playful than anything. Kai hummed softly at Novis's explanation of the bridge that connected this continent to another land, truly curious now. He wasn't interested enough to abandon his plans for the upcoming season, though - no, he had his sights set on spending the winter as far north as he could possibly go. "I wish you luck in your adventures, Novis. Who knew the world had so much to offer us?" His grin was slightly impish, despite the earnest tone of his voice. He'd heard tales of how vast the world was from his father, who'd traveled more than he ever expected to, and he owed his wanderlust to him too. He had a curious heart that he doubted would ever be fully sated, hence his free-spirited ways. "Think anyone would be able to scale these cliffs?" Kai asked conversationally after a moment of thoughtful silence, certainly not daring him, only wondering if he thought them as dangerous as Kai did.

He chuckled lightly at Kai's quip, giving him a playful side-eye. He also nodded his thanks to Kai's wish of luck. He wished to explore the entire continent and then beyond once he had learned of everything it had to offer. Though he knew he eventually wanted to settle down, now definitely wasn't the time. The thought of being tied down to one spot scared him, more of the fact that he would have nothing to do rather than missing out on traveling. Learning and exploring was his way of expelling boredom; he feared he would run out of things to do if he was stuck in one spot. Perhaps a family and pack to care for would solve that problem, but he didn't know if he was responsible enough for either of them. He would just have to wait for now.

His eyes scanned the cliffs as he contemplated the question. Where they were at the moment, below them was a river into the ocean, leaving the rock walls relatively smooth from erosion. There were paw-holds and narrow walkways a daring wolf could use to climb, but the cons outweighed the pros. A fall from any hight on the cliffs would lead to a watery end. However, the other end of the canyon had trees at the bottom, signifying an explorable land at the bottom. Though he couldn't see the texture of the walls, he could assume it was similar to the cliffs here. "Nothing is impossible, I'm sure someone could do it if they were really careful. I personally wouldn't; my pelt's already seen enough abuse and a fall certainly wouldn't be pretty, but I see no reason someone couldn't." He spoke nonchalantly, looking down to observe a few of the scars that peppered his pelt. Though he wore them with pride, he saw no reason to add to their numbers, especially due to something preventable.

Kai could relate to Novis's need for adventure. He himself had a fair share of wanderlust - only if by 'a fair share' you meant a limitless supply of it. Settling down didn't suit him well at all, and though he definitely preferred the cold of the north he wasn't constrained to those lands by any means. He'd definitely have to check out this land-bridge someday, once his paws carried him that far south. It wouldn't be next season though, he was sure of that. And perhaps unlike Kai, the thought of actually settling down eventually.. well, it wasn't something he could see for himself. Even as he grew old he doubted he'd find much solace in a quiet, safe life. Surely even his old father was out climbing mountains and conquering vast fields of snow even now in his old age, if he was even still around. The thought was a wistful one, he knew that, but he still found comfort in it. "Even for me I'm not sure I'd chance it. Not this section of the cliffs, at least," Kai replied, gazing down the sharp decline with a curious look. After a moment he brought his gaze back to Novis, attention following Novis's own to some of the scars that littered his body. "Well, at least they make you look tough," Kai grinned playfully in his direction. "Somehow I've avoided earning any noticeable scars myself but I have a feeling that might change if you see me again years from now, if I keep things up." It was just a feeling he had, that his own slightly chaotic nature might someday land him in some trouble - and truth be told he wouldn't mind a few scars to remind him of what he'd gone through, but he was just as fine without.

He gave a soft smile at Kai's complement. He always worried his scars made him look too intimidating, especially with his large frame. He didn't want to give others the wrong idea when they see a huge, battle-scarred wolf trotting their way. Though, Kai was much bigger than him already, so he doubted that he was very frightening to them. It was the small ones he was more concerned about, especially pups. Thankfully, he had yet to come across a problem pertaining to his looks.

"Everyone needs a little excitement in their life, even if it earns you a few marks n' scars. Things get boring if you play it safe all the time." Novis shrugged. Though he would never actively search out new nicks and scratches to pepper his pelt, a little fun usually brought them to him anyway. Novis wasn't one to just watch life pass by. He wanted to experience it for himself. His travels always brought him something new to catch or someone new to meet. Nothing was ever stale; he never saw the same thing twice. For the moment, all he cared about was if be got enjoyment in what he was doing. He was getting a little old for such a mindset, but he was always a bit young at heart. Growing older and needing to accept responsibilities was slowly catching up to him, but he still had plenty of time left not to worry about his future. Living in the moment was much more compelling.

Perhaps some might find him intimidating, but Kai was too headstrong to be intimidated by.. well, anyone at all. He knew his own family boasted similarly intimidating looks, especially his father with his tusks (that were apparently unusual in these lands, even if they were fairly common in his family's homelands, so he'd been told). Kai wasn't the sort to judge a book by its cover, anyway. "Excitement may as well be my middle name," Kai admitted with a chuckle. "That's a good sentiment to live by, though," he admitted, with a much more serious smile now. Playing it safe was definitely boring, he could agree with that, and his words were followed by a gentle chuckle. It was refreshing to find wolves who knew how to live life, and he was beyond grateful for the universe bringing Novis to him. "And I do hope forces greater than us reunite us at some point in the future." For now, Kai had something he wanted to tend to, but not before leaning to offer Novis a quick nuzzle to his shoulder before he slipped off. -exit Kai-