The sound of the water filtering from the gap in the cave’s ceiling and falling to the pool below, combined with my own fluid movements through the freshwater, echoed off the wide cavern’s walls. It was these reverberations that filled my ears, and my attention was mostly focused on the dark water I waded through. This water moved differently to the sea of my home. Not only did it feel different against my fur, but it smelled different as well. I quickly recognized it as water that was okay to drink, like those that flowed through the creek that was our northern borderline. I paused my movements, lowering my tiara and lapping at the liquid, relishing the crisp coolness of it.

As I drank, my ears flicked backwards at the sudden words of another wolf. Although I was surprised by her sudden presence, I had learned to disguise my shock, to never flinch if I did not absolutely need to. Clearly the echoes of the grotto had veiled her approach. Lifting my head, my soft violet eyes rose to the spot where she sat. I had to blink a few times to distinguish her form, for she was nearly as black as the opening she sat in, but my eyes readjusted quickly enough. Swallowing my last sip of water, I smiled at her.

“To swim was not the motive for my ventures today, just a simply delightful discovery. Freshwater can be a refreshing change from the salt,” I said, my words light. I nostrils flared slightly, trying to detect this other wolf’s homeland, but unable to from this distance and a complete lack of a breeze. Made curious by this female, I waded to the pool’s edge and leaped out, causing a cacophony of splashes to resonate against the walls. Atop the smooth rock surface, I shook my bodice, water flying from my pelt in all directions. As the last droplet flew from the tip of my tail, I moved forward, walking towards the dark wolf at any easy pace.

As I drew nearer to her, I sniffed the air and caught notes of stagnant water and mossy foliage. So she was from Iromar? Some wolves might have an innate fear of the swampland wolves, but I felt no need for it. Our homes held a treaty, and although I knew that did not necessarily mean that every wolf would be trustworthy, it was not in my nature to jump to conclusions about a wolf based on their homeland. “Perhaps a wolf from the moorlands would like to enjoy such pleasures. I’m sure the predators that lurk in your waters make swimming an uneasy thing.” I offered her a grin before rocking back onto my haunches to rest opposite of her, leaving a comfortable distance between us. For a fleeting moment, I wondered if I had been followed here, or if this wolf had simply ventured to the same point as me. I was not one much for negative thoughts, though, and quickly brushed the thought aside. “I’m Vesper,” I said, allowing her the opportunity to introduce herself as well.

three // tesseract x caligula // no attachments // glorall