Sounds of sandy steps receded. Briefly wondering if he was going to stalk off without further discussion, a small huff caused Senka to look over her shoulder; the black and white figure had dropped to the sand once more, followed by a rumbling exclamation in the unfamiliar tongue. Her heart ached at the sight. Stubborn, angry stranger. So young. His world turned upside down in an instant.

Long limbs pushed herself upright once again. She shook, finally freeing herself of the dried sand that had coated her legs and abdomen. The woman did not follow yet, but merely watched. She listened to him lash out about the Gods, took note of the emotion heavy in his voice. A brow cocked.

Child, She hissed in return, Do you think the Gods have made a mistake? You are young, spry, with a life ahead of you if you wish to take it.

At this, Senka approached. She strode in a wide circle around the wolf until she stood a distance in front of him, head lowering til her gaze could meet his. Lips lifted enough for her canines to show.

If you want to spite their decision, you can let yourself wither away into nothing, until the birds have picked your bones clean. A wasted life. A wasted opportunity. Senka snorted at the thought, turning away from him. To so blatantly offend the Gods without fear of retribution was unfathomable. The warnings of Kirain reentered her mind – plagues winding their murky tendrils across the lands, resulting in injury and death to those who are not careful. Maybe it was punishment after all.

The woman paused with a flick of her tail. Without looking, she spoke, voice softer than before.

Whatever your life was before now, it is no longer, and for that, I am sorry.