Hazel was... well, she was small. She'd met some real giants out here-- no, not met, but she'd seen them. No, really. She'd seen giants, promise. They were awfully big, and awfully tall. Hazel didn't know how to explain that though. Certainly, they were bigger than her parents, and her parents weren't small. Would she get that big? Would she get bigger? Well, she'd get bigger than she was now, but would she get bigger than her parents were? Bigger like the giants were? Hazel didn't know.

Even if she didn't, the girl would be fierce. She had no idea how long it had been since they'd left her behind here, but she didn't care. Really, Hazel was starting to resent them. She didn't look or act like her siblings did, she would have been an outcast anyway. The black sheep. They'd been wrong in leaving her behind, they'd been wrong to not want her-- Hazel would show them. She'd show the whole world! She'd fight them all and she'd win. She'd beat them all, just like Basilisk did. Her spar against her new friend had been telling, and Hazel had a long way to go. That was fine, the girl would put the work in.

At the edge of one of the broad, still pools, the girl practiced her stance. Hazel dug her claws into the earth, baring her teeth at her reflection. Chin tucked, posture as upright as she could muster. Had to look bigger. Had to look bigger to take down the giants. There was nothing to stop her! No one would stop her! Hazel growled at her own reflection in the pool, watching her own face. Was that fierce enough?
"Speech"

Eraithus was filled with energy. His life had been better, he thought himself on a different path but he accepted what happened to him. He had Habari, Recluse and any other member under that umbrella. Although every day was a new one, today he decided to be up during the day. Occasionally hed do this though knowing that most of the pack was nocturnal. The hot springs, as he approached his tail wagged. A nice soak in the waters would be nice. Yet as he went to put a paw in the water he saw.... a pup!

He blinked a bit confused. Pups this young normally were within the borders of a pack, or with their loner parents. Eraithus smelled the air, he didnt smell any wolves nearby. Curiosity struck him mixed with worry for this young pup. He walked closer but kept his distance. Not wanting to threaten the pup and in case it was a trap. Hed known raiders to use pups as ambush distractions before. Nothing was too horrific in life.

"Rather young to be wandering around the Hot Springs." He softly said with a smile. He didnt want to assume but this is why he asked. Eraithus paws stayed firm, and he slowly wagged his tail. Keeping his body posture tall but seemingly soft. His blue eyes admiring the marks on the young pup anyway.

Hazel didn't know what would be if she hadn't ended up like this. If she hadn't ended up abandoned and alone. That was probably for the best, the not knowing. She wouldn't let the could have beens drive her crazy... though later she'd understand that they damn well could. She had to live in the moment. There was no other choice for her. Hazel was bright enough to keep herself alive, and reckless enough to keep things interesting. Nothing would stop her in moments like this, holding the most chaotic energy possible deep in her chest. Right, still keeping things interesting. Hazel didn't want to put herself to sleep at the wheel, and what was the point? No authority figures meant she could do whatever the hell she wanted.

There was a man. Hazel re-arranged her face from the fierce expression she'd been making, checking her reflection before looking up at him. She also erased the posture she'd been practicing, relaxing her stance, and unsticking her nails from the ground. Couldn't look that ridiculous in front of a stranger, could she?

He was... blue. That was weird. She looked carefully up at him, realizing that he was one of the giants she'd had on her mind before. Tall and strong looking, and Hazel quirked her head to the side as she looked at him. The pup studied him openly. Really, she hadn't learned how to hide her interest yet. "What are you, a cop?" The tone was something a bit suspicious, and maybe a bit sarcastic. Still, Hazel's tail wagged, unable to keep the excitement of having someone else around to herself.

"Speech"

Eraithus was taken back. Her question was one of youthfulness so it didnt bother him. Although it granted a tilt of his head. Cop? That must of been an old human word it seemed vaguely familiar. Or perhaps a pack rank hed heard some unique words from all over. He sighed for a moment but smiled. "Probably not." he answered with a soft laugh. Then he crouched down to her level.

"My names Eraithus, im just a nice guy." Yhe male shrugged. Hed eventually ask what happened to her parents but she didnt seem in distress. So for noe hed remain vigilant. He wasnt sure how habari would take him bringing a strange pup. They had a litter already running around that he had bonded with.

Hazel had something called a healthy distrust of authority, or at least, that was what her dad said. It seemed that this distrust was apparently warranted, as he was the one that had masterminded her being left on her own. Still, she wouldn't find that out until much later. The blue stranger's smile was disarming, and he was down closer to her level... interesting. Her expression was contemplative, watching the man carefully. Hazel straightened up, trying to make herself look at least a bit more confident on her paws.

Just a nice guy. Was someone allowed to say that about themselves? Were they nice if they were telling you that outright? The girl wasn't sure if she could trust that yet, but she gave a tentative wag of her tail. "I'm Hazel," the child's voice was careful, unsure if she should be giving her name away. Distrust was clear in the words, unsure what exactly to think of the strange man. It was the only thing she had at this point, and maybe she should be keeping it for herself. Though borderline feral, the girl could still get by. Introducing herself was a part of being socially acceptable.

"Why're you here, mister Rafus?" The girl would swear she'd been listening when he gave his name... but being able to say it was another question entirely. Her head cocked to the side, openly curious. What a strange looking man, from the bright blue markings to the kinked tail. Hazel wasn't sure she'd ever seen anything that looked like him before.
"Speech"

Eraithus had suddenly realised what he said probably wasnt the most appropriate. He didnt speak about it farther though. Shaking his head he smiled gently, well he could at least keep her company while he was here. Obviously the child hadnt retained his name. It didnt matter, "well i was going to take a break in the hot springs." he explained gesturing towards the steaming pools. Eraithus then heard something... it was almost a yip.

Coyotes.... he didnt know why there were coyotoes out here but that was the case. From the scent it was a trio. Eraithus remained calm. Looking at Hazel before standing and smiling. "Whats say you help me get rid of this bunch?" he didnt know if that was a smart idea but at least he could keep a close eye on her.

He was smiling... that was good, right? Smiling was probably good. Hazel's tail wagged at her haunches, carefully watching the stranger. Mister Rathius, or whatever his name was-- well, close enough. Sometimes, Hazel's memory isn't quite there. Still, her tail wagged. A break in the hot springs sounded good but-- oh, what was that? The pup heard the yip too, and her head tipped to the side. Hazel processed for just a moment before realizing exactly what the source of the sound was. Coyotes. At least she wasn't alone.

Her gaze flickered to the large man before stepping to his side. Three coyotes, shit. Hazel was prepared on her feet, ready to take on anything with as much ferocity as possible. "Yeah, let's get 'em." Her gaze was bright as she looked to the man, and then back out towards the direction of the sound. She was going to help, and she was going to strike out swinging. The girl was tense, claws digging into the ground where she stood. She found purchase in the ground, and was careful to keep her throat covered. Hazel was ready.
"Speech"