Finally slowing to catch her breath and give her injured body a moment’s rest, Kirain’s ears flicked sharply at the sound of a voice. She turned at once, silver eyes scanning the snow-laden landscape in search of its source.

Hello? she called softly.

Her gaze eventually settled on a form pressed low to the ground. She halted, surprise rooting her in place for a long moment before she caught herself. Clearing her throat, Kirain carefully lowered herself to her stomach, making herself smaller, less imposing.

Hello there… she murmured gently. Are you alright? Are you lost? I’m not going to hurt you.

She kept her voice soft and even as she slowly inched forward through the snow, closing the distance bit by bit. When she was about a foot away, she stopped. Her tail wagged gently behind her, brushing and kicking up small sprays of snow.

My name’s Kirain, she continued warmly. I’m the leader of the nearby pack. Do you need help?

Her expression was open, earnest, filled with genuine concern. He had her full, undivided attention now. From where she lay, her eyes traced over his form, quietly checking for signs of injury. Nothing obvious stood out. Perhaps he wasn’t hurt at all, just frightened.

And who wouldn’t be?

To be dropped into a strange land so suddenly would shake even the most confident soul. So Kirain remained where she was, still and patient, giving him the space to speak when he was ready.