The silent lake greeted her as she approached, its surface rippling beneath the wind that danced around her. It was a vast body of water, likely freezing cold, she reasoned. This far north, snow was a constant companion, and she had no intention of catching her death at its hands.

Still, it was beautiful, the way the dying light of day scattered across the water in fractured gold, dancing with each wave.

Quietly, The Painted Ghost began to walk along the shore, ice-blue eyes tracking the shifting ripples and disturbances that broke the surface. The cold brushed against her fur, but she hardly noticed. It was the solitude that drew her here, the way the north offered isolation without effort.

Yet she found herself wondering if it was enough.

What else did this land have to offer her, truly? If she remained here, pacing in circles across snow and ice, would she ever know? Or would she simply vanish into the white, nothing more than a ghost wandering the frost?

Something to think on, she decided, as she continued her silent walk beneath the fading light.

Upon taking the northwestern pathways, a pleasantly cool breeze rushed over the coat of the large wolf, Creed. The lone wolf, who released a sigh of satisfaction from his lungs. He enjoyed the cool, frigid air that danced along his thick coat, and filled his lungs with an almost satisfying chill. In truth to him, the cold felt like home. It was clear that the brute was much more comfortable in areas like this than others.

Creed has been in the move for some time now, having heard word of a known pack within the farthest reaches of the northern region. One cut off from the mainland, only accessible when the tide was at its lowest. Meaning it be more of a relatively safe location compared to other pack lands, catching his interest than most other groups of wolves. He traveled in the hopes to join such a enclosed pack.

Having made his way around the eastern side of the Frostfang Vale, a great, vast lake came into view. Along with a wide open tundra. The almost blinding white of the fallen snow, against the contrast of the darker, bone chilling waters. Well it was beautiful to say the least.

Approaching the vast waster source, deep, crimson red eyes shined within the golden light of the falling sun. But it was that falling light that illuminated a silhouette in the distance. Another wolf.

Creed was no fool. Knowing better than to surprised a stranger, he stopped where he stood, reared his head back. Offering a deep, bone chilling howl that echoed across the frozen plains. The howl itself offered no ill intent. No malice, no aggression. Just a simple greeting.

He wasn’t quick to approach. He in fact sat in the snow, waiting for a response from this stranger.

Devika

A howl on the wind.

Devika’s ears perked, taking it in. It wasn’t aggressive, nor was it particularly inviting, merely an announcement of one’s presence. Her icy gaze swept across the frozen landscape before settling on a figure in the distance.

It wasn’t common to meet others out here among the snow and ice. Curious.

If they were waiting for a response, they would get none, for she had none to give.

Letting curiosity guide her paws, she began moving in the canine’s direction. Her pace was calm, cautious, unhurried.

When she was close enough to see the crimson of his eyes clearly, she stopped, settling into a seated position in the snow. She offered him a nod, all she could manage in terms of a greeting.

Ruby tinted optics watched careful as this silent stranger approached. Not a howl to share, nor even an utter of a faint whisper. Completely silent in her approached. Yet Creed felt at ease, confident in the strength he had to protect himself, upon the calm, curious demeanor held by the painted she-wolf.

Once the slender framed female sat before him, offering him a nod in greeting and acknowledgment. Which confused him further. Why wasn’t she speaking? Did she perhaps not wish to? No..if that were the case, she wouldn’t have bother approaching. Perhaps she was simply unable? That would explain the lack of the returned howl. For now he’d hold off on the questioning, but would speak to her as if he was aware of her situation. He wasn’t so blind as to try and force words from her.

Greetings.Was all his deep, cold voice has to say ar first, before that muzzle of his parted to utter more words. Names Creed, I do sincerely hope I’m not encroaching upon your home miss?He introduced himself, ending in more of a question as he titled his head.

Devika

Creed. Like those words spoken of faith? How interesting. At his question, the dappled woman shook her head. No, these were not her lands to claim, nor did she have any desire to do so. She much preferred to wander, to gather new information, to learn. It was hard to do that sitting still in one place. That kind of life was behind her, at least for now.

She imagined the man would expect a response, some indication of her name. But all he would receive was silence. How unfortunate.

Instead, Devika rose to her feet and stepped closer to the stranger, her tail waving tall and open behind her. She was no threat, not really. Violence did not beget knowledge. She stopped in front of him, leaving only a couple of feet between them. Tilting her head, she studied him with quiet curiosity.

Where was he from? Where was he going? What did he know?

So many questions, all wrapped in such intense silence.

The deep crimson eyes of the larger wolf soon began drifting up, then down, and then up again. He studied every part of her he could, taking note of her uniquely patterned and frankly beautiful coat. Whilst studying her he took note of yet another couple seconds of silence. This girl certainly seemed much too kind, and curious to blatantly ignore someone that she herself approached.

His ears perked up as she approached him, and still he he only sat there watching. His head tilting with hers, showing his own curiosity in this woman.

Tell me sweetheart, you aren’t able to speak at all are you? He finally asked, offering her a crooked smile, although the smile itself was smile, and quick to break. It was laced with hidden kindness and genuine curiosity. He meant this female no harm, be-it physical, psychological, or emotional.

Devika

At least he was quick to understand. That was more than could be said for some others from her past.

With a gentle shake of her head, she answered his question. No. No words. Only silence.

The ghost’s icy gaze grew distant, memories surfacing of long days spent isolated and despondent. But she was stronger now, more certain of herself.

Her attention shifted back to Creed. Lifting a paw, she gestured at him and then to their snow-laden surroundings. Why was he here? What had called him to this land of ice and cold? Surely, he had to have a reason.

She hoped he would offer that reason freely, without playing coy. There was already enough silence for both of them resting heavy on her shoulders.

Upon gaining the confirmation he needed, Creed was able to confirm his suspicions. The painted wolf was unable to converse openly. In response, he few nods of the head. Signifying to her that he understands. All he offered was a kind smile, not one of pity, nor concern. The large male would be the last to look down upon others for disabilities. Especially when she’s made it this far in her own, she must’ve been a strong one to survive as long as she had.

He was quick to notice the distant look in her eyes, was she lost in thought? Before he could even attempt to check in on her, his attention was diverted downwards. A stray paw pointing his direction pulling It down.

His bright red eyes followed that paw, his tilted as she gestured to the frigid, unforgiving land scape surrounding them. It took no more than a couple of seconds to register, but then it clicked.

Oooh..im here to find a pack. I believe from here it’s more northeastern. Heard its safer than others due to their land bridge being covering during the tides. He answered truthfully. His eyes shifting back to meet hers. Hmm..I don’t suppose you’d like to join me? It should be easy if I vouch for you. He offered.

Devika

A pack? Farther northeast? A land bridge covered by the changing tides?

Fascinating.

Devika’s thoughts drifted back to her many wanderings. Long ago, she had stumbled upon something similar. When the tide went out, there was but the briefest window to cross. The way was slick and uneven, the sea forever eroding the path beneath your paws. Sea creatures lurked, sharp and unyielding against unsuspecting feet.

Was that really safer?

What if disaster struck and they needed to flee, only to find the tides had risen and their escape was shut off? Could they swim in such northern waters, or would the icy grip of the ocean claim them before they ever saw another sunrise?

She furrowed her brow, head cocking to the side as she studied him.

She had long ago abandoned pack life. It didn’t suit a ghost, not really. She was rarely seen, never heard, and that did not lend itself to building bonds or keeping a place among others.

Still… it was an intriguing offer.

She wished she could ask him more about this supposed pack, about the tides and the safety of that path, but she had only her silence. Instead, she lifted a quizzical brow in his direction, hoping he would understand, and elaborate.

Creed watched in silence as Devika was clearly thinking over his proposal. All the pros, the cons, what could happen, what could come from them. He was certain that her mind was racing with thoughts such as those, and he didn’t blame her.

A large stranger invites you to follow him northward to join a mysterious pack? In the eyes of the cautious, it could very well had been a trap. Or worse yet, a ruse to corner and stain their mass with crimson red, and their maws filled with the sweet, bitter taste of iron. Almost anyone’s mind would jump to conclusions. But he wasn’t entirely sure for her.

Creed offered an amused grin as she soon lifted that curious little brow his way. She truly was a inquisitive one, but who could blame her.

Alas sweetheart that’s truthfully about all I know. You’re welcome to turn down the offer entirely, I wouldn’t blame you. Though I’d be quite saddened if I’m honest. He responded, chuckling to himself as he smiled her way. It’s rare I find such a genuine, beautiful soul. He admitted. Before leaning over to whisper. Truth be told..I don’t like most wolves.