So distracted by her moments of distress, Edelweiss did not notice the other wolf until she caught sight of them in her peripheral vision. Startled, her head whipped around, amber eyes wide as they took in the dark pelted female. Nervously, the teen watched as the stranger dipped her head respectfully and asked if she was alright.

As the female’s – Solar was it? – words sunk in, Edel felt a deep flush of mortification. She hadn’t thought of what a sight she must have been, reacting as she had. Gods, she must seem like a lunatic. In that instant, she wished the ground would simply dissolve beneath her paws and allow sink into it.

Yet, at the same time, the fact that a stranger had bothered to be concerned about her was…touching. Touching enough that it trumped whatever awkwardness she was experiencing. Shyly, she dipped her head in reply to Solar, ears perked as she glanced curiously at the other wolf.

“Oh, I’m okay now,” she said softly, “but it’s kind of you to ask.” Hesitantly, she smiled slightly at the other female. While she still felt the last prickling of embarrassment, she was determined to have a nice, pleasant with this stranger. It had been far too long she’d talked to another wolf simply for the sake of it. Solitary life didn’t exactly abet friendships – just tense fights over food and territory. Previous experience had left her edgy, but the overwhelming loneliness she felt overwhelmed in instinctual caution.

Tawny plume waving minutely, she continued to speak, “My name’s Edelweiss by the way. It is a bit of a mouthful, I know. Who knows what my mother was thinking when she named me. Da claimed she thought it sounded pretty-” Edel cut herself off, glancing away in embarrassment, “Gods, I was rambling, wasn’t I? I always do this when I’m nervous. Bad habit and all- and I’m doing it again, aren’t I?” she muttered, groaning.

Looking back at Solar, she gave a wry smile.

“I apologise. I’m not exactly great at this whole conversation thing, am I?”