The young woman was definitely still interested in the game, judging by her playful growl she emitted from within her chest. An ear flicked in curious wonder, understanding now that she was capable of some vocalizations. Maybe it would take some time for her to come out of her shell more. Maybe he had to earn the right to hear her speak. It was only his guess of course, for maybe her voice was limited. Regardless, he wasn't about to leave her simply because she didn't speak to him verbally.

He was enjoying his time with the new woman, a new friend as she was turning out to be. Gekirin kept on running in a playful gait, snow flying as it left from under his paws. Black fur rolled in the breeze as he pushed through the tress, his dark form sticking out like a sore thumb. Yellow eyes seemed more bright this day, more full of life. Yes, this was a nice change from the old. Gekirin looked back over his shoulder, wondering if she had caught up to him. Maybe Izumi knew more of this woman. Perhaps in time, he would find her and ask. But first, he would give her time to reveal more of herself on her own terms.

---

The man continued to gallop through the island's snowfall - he didn't tire quickly, likely due to the playful lope he was employing. Choumi didn't need much more than a few bursts of sprinting flat-out to close the distance, her lungs burning satisfyingly. The dark wolf glanced over his shoulder, searching for her. She grinned at him. He hadn't seemed to enjoy her surprise-attack very much, so although she'd caught up to him, the Ite didn't try to pounce on him. Instead, she found a comfortable distance to his side to run, as though they were chasing some invisible stag until it tired and would succumb to their pursuit, together.

Gekirin caught the chocolate woman bounding up to meet his side, but from a comfortable distance. She showed a flashy grin his way, causing him to smile back at her in a somewhat shy manner. Though he did his best to keep up with her exuberant personality. They stomped through the snow like prancing deer, but with the large male suddenly interested in trying again at her playful game. Quickly he made his way towards her, a grin still across his face. Then aimed to pounce on her this time, hoping to get his revenge for her sneak attack as he lifted off the ground with his long legs. He stretched out towards her, preparing for impact. And just hoped that she wouldn't get scared off and leave him for good.

---

He seemed a little shy. She wished, not for the first time, that she could just outright ask him if he was new around here - what had brought him to the Rest. How he was settling in, what his name was, the list went on.

The young woman knew if she tried, she'd be met with her windpipe closing of its own accord, her breaths growing thin and her mind a static buzz.

So she only smiled at the dark stranger, and cackled when he finally broke out of his shell and tried to pounce on her. Snow swirled around them in a flurry, Choumi's paws flailing as she tumbled into the soft snow beneath the stranger's large paws. She huffed playfully, before her body realized that she no longer had her paws on solid ground, and there was a strong and heavy silhouette pinning her like a butterfly to a board.

Choumi's ears twitched back against her skull, pawing at the larger man as her heart began to kick in her chest. Logically she did not think this wolf was a threat - and a simple howl for her comrades would bring them running to her aid. Her body, however, seemed convinced otherwise.

All at once, he could feel the unease and self doubt leaving him. As if a dark cloud had been casted away from his form, allowing him to be the wolf he was always meant to. There was a carefree attitude that was desperate to come out. Breaking through his hard exterior like a rock through shattered glass. Gekirin chased after her with increasing speed, feeling his body come down on hers with the force of a freight train. But he did all he could to make sure he didn't hurt her. For she seemed as fragile to him as a butterfly, but equally beautiful. Though he learned that looks could be deceiving, and he wondered what lied behind those dazzling eyes.

The chocolate woman fell beneath his paws, her ears slicked back and her feet pawing at him to get off. He was glad though to see that she wasn't entirely afraid of him. A weird thought which had occurred to him almost instantly. It wasn't something that he was used to, being born of tainted blood and living with those whose minds had been lost. The forgotten prince was sure that misfortune would always follow him, making sure that others knew just how much he should not be trusted. Yet this woman didn't seem to get the memo, her face looking back up at him without the slightest show of concern.

It was then that he lessened his grip, and felt the words leave his lips before he could think. I wish I knew your name, where you came from. What you're thinking at this moment. His voice was deep and filled with passionate wonder. The black behemoth got up from his claimed victory, careful not to squash her further as he allowed her back on to her feet. I'm sorry for not telling you of my name. It's Gekirin, Gekirin Yomenimoakarui. I haven't been here too long, but came here with the Empress. She is too kind and generous. Gekirin watched her further, great interest and wonder showing in his pale yellow gaze.

Another bout of questioning came from within. It couldn't stay behind closed lips any longer. Who are you? Where did you come from? And when could he see her again?

---

She had seen true evil - survived it more times than she cared to count. Panic crept at the edges of her consciousness with the stranger's encompassing weight over her, but Choumi knew it was only the leftovers of a much worse time in her life cropping up. Her lithe frame wriggled free of his grasp, and she bounced to her paws right before him, tail whipping through the disturbed snow surrounding them. The huntress shook her coat out, and that seemed to be that - she returned her gaze to the dark wolf's yellow one without a hint of grudge.

He spoke, then, filling the silence with woulda, coulda, shoulda's. Choumi had enough wishes to exhaust a thousand genies. She had yet to have any granted. The woman felt a little pity for the man - his desire for connection snuffed by her own limitations so quickly. As frustrated and upset about her mutism as she ever was, she didn't like showing her struggles with the issue to others. Chou shook her head gently, lowering her gaze to her dark, frosted paws.

His name came soon enough, and she visibly perked up at the information. Gekirin, and he had been recruited by the Empress. She offered a pleasant smile and nod to his point about Izumi.

She shook her head once more to his first question - it was winter, there was no way to answer that. If it had been another season, she might've been adorned with butterfly wings that she could indicate to lead him to the answer. But the second earned a flick of her paw toward the mainland, invisible behind the trees and horizon. That way, but really, another world entirely.

She wiggled out from underneath him, a hint of urgency in her movements as she rose to her feet. There was something akin to almost panic in her eyes, though it vanished in less then a few seconds. Did he scare her that bad? His own insecurities and worries were silenced however by the small smile that appeared on her face. Gekirin smiled back, happy that she wasn't upset with him.

Rather, she appeared not to be. The woman of mysterious beauty smiled again at the sound of his name, and at the mentioning of Izumi. So it would seem that she knew the empress. Gekirin stored that piece of information later, hoping to put it to good use. Perhaps Izumi would be able to shed some light on his new friend. Or at least he hoped that she would become his friend.

A sigh left his lips as she shook her head, possibly trying to get it through his head that perhaps she could not speak. Memories of another who was mute became very much alive in his mind's eye. If that's indeed what was going on here. But he kept his outwardly composure, afraid that he would drive her away if he showed his weariness. Instead he watched her eyes and paw move back to the mainland. Another answer to another question.

I see. So you came from out there somewhere. Same as me. Good to know I'm not the only one. Gekirin smiled again her way, trying his best to be a gentleman. But most likely failing at such a grand task. Can you not speak? That's alright if you can't. I don't mind doing a little detective work. The ebony beast gave her a small playful wink, trying at least to let his guard down and show that he could be outgoing and trusting. At least to the best of his ability. Hopefully she saw that in him.