Freedom. It was often a thing most took for granted. It was something Auro did without a shadow of a doubt. There was no better feeling that getting up every morning knowing that there was nothing and no one to tie him down. No pack to have to be chained to and no alpha to bark orders at him. Granted his ways often led to very short-lived friendships, but that was alright by him. The young wolf had grown up a certain way with family being the only constant in his life until he and his litter mates were old enough to go their own ways when they desired. There'd often be brief points of connection with one another before they were off again. His own parents had similar views and as such he never could find himself in one spot for very long. Which is what led him to this cave. Well, almost into the cave. He'd wandered around in the frigid temperatures for a while before deciding if he had to take one more step in the snow he was going to amputate his toes. Wasn't spring supposed to be a time of growth, rain, and new life? This was starting to look like anything but that. He let out a short huff and an explosion of mist erupted in front of his face. He wrinkled his nose in disgust at the sight before shaking his fur and staring at the mouth of the cave once more. On one paw there was this perfectly dark, slightly creepy, cave in front of him that could offer shelter from the cold, snow, and looming gray skies that threatened to drop more snow on top of him at any moment. On the other paw, this cave was giving off weird vibes that could range from "it's steep and I might twist an ankle" to "it still feels like winter and there might be a hibernating bear in there to rip my face off". Both were not great choices. As much fun as he would have delving into the depths of an unknown cave, even he was reluctant to wake a bear up from its winter slumber. They were notoriously cranky and hunger only amplified that emotion. He couldn't smell anything inside which made him favor going inside rather than being a giant popsicle. He shrugged his shoulders and took a few steps in the mouth of the cave to get the wind chill. Magenta eyes scanned the darkness for any signs of life but all was quiet. Momma didn't raise a coward. Taking on the "fuck it" mentality he started to head a little further in wondering where the cave would lead him. Walk, "Talk" Think

She was so done with the North. She had been spending entirely too much time lately in the cold. She was ready to stretch out on a hot beach, some sexy specimens waving cool fans at her face, and hand feeding her the sweetest pieces of fruit. She closed her eyes for a moment, a soft mmm escaping her lips. She could almost imagine it unfolding before her… she took in a deep breath, and sneezed once violently from the cold.

She had been making her way South West, expecting the snow to melt away the further she moved from the North. Instead, it felt like winter was following her. It was the fault of that ice bridge, she was sure of it. That bridge, and the strange creatures she had seen galloping away down it. It was like a bad omen, chasing winter through the land.

When her gaze fell upon a cave, she hustled up her pace. Frowning thoughtfully at the paw prints left outside its entrance, imprinting on the snow.

As she paused, the deer coat draped over her soldiers stirred, a lump wiggling beneath them for a moment before the star-cat poked her horned head out and looked about. Perhaps wondering what had made her wolf still. Keetie twisted her head to glance at Spice for a moment, and stuck her tongue out at her companion. The cat swiped at the offending body part, and Keetie gave a teasing shake of her coat. The cat dug her claws in and held on at the abrupt movement.

Turning her attention away from Spice once more, she placed one of her paw prints in that left behind, and gave a slight grin. It was unusual for her to meet a wolf that outmatched her size.

Starting forward again, she made her way to the cave entrance, and stuck her head inside. She would find her stranger then, for he had not yet moved far inside. He was a wolf of similar tones to the Aracari, and had the height of her siblings too. He was not, however, family. She knew all of her siblings very well. “Hello, hello, who might you be?” her voice a warm purr.

"Speech"

The last thing he had expected was company. He hadn't had too many encounters with the wolves of these lands, but he assumed that they were hunkering down for the winter as well. He'd scented a few packs in the west but he'd avoided those. His dislike of authority and rules made him hesitant to put himself in a situation where he might try and be recruited. Then you had to go through the awkward talk of "I'm a selfish bastard and really don't want to" and it was just weird for every body involved. Then, in some instances from what he'd heard, there were some who would just fight recruits into submission until they were forced to join. That just wasn't his cup of tea. The scent he picked up immediately was that of a loner. A feline scent was the first thing that caught his attention and magenta orbs flickered to the cat on the wolf's back very briefly before being drawn back to the girl. She was probably about the most jaw-droppingly stunning females he'd had the privilege to lay eyes on (his family didn't count, ew). She had similar colors of his own family, but with richer and darker colors with the exception of his brother. Thankfully she wasn't his family so he could openly admire her. A broad grin stretched across his face as he waved his tail softly in greeting. "Aurorion Velaeris at your service." He said with a mock bow before righting his posture once more. "But for a lady as pretty as you, well you can call me Auro." He said with a wink. "Who might you be?" Walk, "Talk" Think

Her voice caught him, and he turned, dazzling her with a display or rosey eyes. His open admiration was everything she wanted from the world. The space in the entrance of the cave already felt warmer. It was easy to brush further inside, shaking out the snow, and leaving behind the worst of the cold. She slunk closer, moving with the grace of a wolf that knew she was beautiful. Spice draped across her forehead, nestled between the faux antlers the star-girl wore.

“Oh honey, you know how to compliment a girl.” she teased, liking the way he spoke. She continued to move, stepping up into his personal space. She leaned her hip against his rump and grinned up at her lashes at the taller wolf. “Lorikeet Aracari, but charmers get to call me Keetie.” As she gave her name, a delightful grin curled up her lip. She rose a paw, offering it to him in greeting, even as she leaned against his side for support. “What brings you to this cave, Rose-eyed Auro?”

"Speech"

Confidence emanated from the female wolf and Aurorion admired that about her immediately. It was one thing to adore a wolf for their looks. It was another feeling altogether when when the other wolf knew exactly how drop-dead gorgeous they were. He never enjoyed giving compliments to those who never knew how to accept them. It ruined the moment. He grinned at her softly as the strange feline moved to drape itself in a more comfortable fashion. He quirked a brow at the creature with an inquisitive look on his face. He'd never seen a wolf with a cat as a companion before. Larger ones, sure, but never one such as small as it. It didn't seem as though it would be too helpful in a fight and it wasn't big enough for food. Maybe it offered more companionship than he'd expect? Either way he didn't comment on it and returned his attentive back to his new-found friend. "Of course I do." He smirked. "Anyone who fails to his a fool." Damn he was smooth. Or at least he thought so. It wouldn't take long for him to slip back into his playful demeanor, but in the mean time he was going to make her putty in his paws. It was all or nothing in his mind and he was going to go all out to get this female's approval. It wasn't every day he met someone like himself. He had no issues with her leaning against him and he returned the greeting with enthusiasm that was almost too pup-like for one his size. He returned the paw shake and another pearly white grin was flashed her way at her question. "I was about to brave the depths of this cave, dear Keetie." He purred out. "Originally it was going to be alone, but I would enjoy delving into possible disaster with a companion if you're up to the task?" He offered with a humored laugh. She didn't seem like the type to turn down an adventure and a part of him was hoping this would turn out to be a great one. Maybe they could even get into a little mischief together? Walk, "Talk" Think