Following the scent, Dirk slowed his approach as it grew stronger, no doubt signifying that he was drawing closer to the stranger. There was a distinctly feminine tone to the scent and that eased his concerns about a potential fight quite a bit while bringing up entirely different concerns at the same time. From what his nose told him, hers was the most recent and strongest scent in the grotto and it did not mingle with any others. Certainly not the scent of another male. So then what was a lone female doing out on her own in such a secluded area?

It troubled him a great deal that the wolves of this land seemed to be so careless with their womenfolk. What manner of wolves were these that paid no mind to the whereabouts of their sisters, mates and daughters? I dinnae ken this level of irresponsibility. Dirk’s marked brow furrowed as he slipped through the various tunnels, glancing now and then through the openings in the roof at the ever darkening sky. Nay, this is madness, leaving a wee lass by her lonesome.

Where he’d come from, if you didn’t keep a close eye on your womenfolk, they got snatched up by another pack. If you were the daft dolt responsible for watching the one plucked away, there was typically hell to pay. Letting out a low growl of frustration, he followed the scent further and sighed the long suffering sigh of a disgruntled male. There, in the waning light of day that streamed down through the skylights, was a wisp of a lass, a mixture of darkness and sunlight graced her pelt. She was reclined by the edge of the source of the delightful crisp scent of fresh water.

”Good evenin’ lass. Mind if I partake?” By the looks of her, she seemed around his age, maybe a little younger. In truth, she looked like she might tumble away if he sneezed too hard in her direction. But then again, most gels looked that way to him, even the sturdier ones. Of course, he was built a bit like a boulder, so perhaps he could be excused for his perception of those around him. Dirk moved towards the pool with slow, measured steps, ever mindful that he cut an intimidating figure. The last thing he wanted to do was frighten the wee thing and have her run off into the night alone, into lord knew what mischief.