Lost in the eyes of my own reflection, I didn’t see another approaching until she was upon me, her own reflection standing next to mine in the water. Turning quickly, I stood and moved to face the newcomer head on. The feelings that arose inside my chest were sudden and unexpected. The first thing I noticed about the wolfess were her eyes. A charming blue with silver flecking around the iris. The next thing I saw was how nicely her fur seemed to blend together. The dark and lighter grays seeming to flow into each other with the cinnamon adding an extra flare in places, especially on her nose. It was rare to find another wolf who matched the same beauty as myself and I had to say I was quite smitten. Realizing I had been staring, I quickly turned my gaze downward and noticed the brindling along the top of each paw. I had never seen a wolf with a brindle coat before, even if her’s wasn’t as noticeable.

I wasn’t sure how to feel about these new emotions, especially when they were being directed at another girl. For several minutes, nothing was said as I forgot she had actually spoken. When I did remember, I clear my throat and stood proudly, trying hard to ignore the beating in my chest. "Yes, the healer’s my mother. I’m Jakuta and I take more after my father. He’s… not from around here." The memory of the Monster calling Zeus a criminal still rang deeply within me. I liked to think of him how my mother described him, as a god. I was his child and that made me a demi-goddess. It was self-proclaimed title, sure, but one that I held dear. I didn’t really know my father and it made me feel more connected with him somehow. Still, it was best not to announce I was his child. After all, I didn’t know who was his enemy and, therefore, mine.

"My coat did help a lot in the winter months, I guess. It kept me warm and hidden away." It was a strange question and I wasn’t sure how else to answer. I hadn’t done much hunting last winter (I was still really bad at catching my own meals) but I wasn’t about to mention that. "Interesting you bring up coat colors. I couldn’t help but notice how unique your’s is. I haven’t met another wolf who had stripes blended in with their fur. It’s quite exotic." And beautiful. Of course, I kept that last part hidden to myself. No need letting her on to the absurd feelings I was experiencing. I wanted to keep the conversation going, keep her talking to me for a moment longer. "Were you born in Asteraia or did you come from another pack? Sadly, I don’t know many others here. I have been quiet these last few months."