there was a bit of thrill as despoina came to sit in front of her, and despite the need to tip her head back to see the other’s face, she was quickly shaking off the tension that formed like a film across her entire being. there was no point in being anxious, was there? the other either would grant her approval or she wouldn’t - but aurelia’s sense of self told her, quite firmly, that she was an attractive wolf and that she would be fine either way. there was still a great deal of satisfaction at the softening of the woman’s posture that gave her a sense of pride she couldn’t explain. ”I’ve been to the mountain.” aurelia’s brow furrowed, almost in disappointment, at despoina’s answer. ”I grew up there. My sister still lives there. I visit on occasion.” excitement lit up aurelia’s two-toned eyes and she rose, tail fluttering at her heels. ”you could come see me sometime,” she suggested excitedly.

why was there something that made despoina stick to her concious like glue? why was she wondering what despoina’s favorite mountain top spots were or if she’d ever gone to some of aurelia’s favorite spots or if she, too, had accidentally wandered in taviora as a child. she didn’t understand this fascination with the shadow and snow miss, but she found herself ensnared by the other and she was okay with that. without really thinking about it, she took a few steps past despoina, playfully swatting towards the other’s shoulder with her tail as she passed. when she became aware that the other wasn’t right with her, she glanced over her shoulder with a sly grin. ”well, aren’t you going to show me these fabulous marshes of yours?” she teased, her tail giving another flutter.

maybe she was being too trusting - after all, the most she knew about this stranger was her name and that she had grown up in the mountains. but aurelia was fond of trusting her gut more than she trusted her head. after all, instinct would always make sure she stayed alive, wouldn’t it? what was the point of being cautious, especially at this age? she couldn’t become wise and worldly if she wasn’t wild and free, at least for a little while. and despoina didn’t give her any bad vibes - if anything, despoina made her stomach knot up with excitement and weird fluttery feelings that were definitely not bad. sun and sky eyes returned to the open expanse before her as she waited for the other to lead the way towards iromar.