The female was marked uniquely with her white fur and russet markings. Her brilliant orange eyes made him wonder if all the Iromar wolves had such distinct markings. Whereas he blended into the trees and the forest of his home, one would think she would stand out like a sore thumb. Was that bad breeding or was she meant as bait to lure in her prey? It was an intriguing notion and one he would ask about, if she could even understand him, that is. At first, the female didn't seem to notice much at all outside that stick she was so preoccupied with. He wanted to laugh at her deep concentration but bit his tongue. He could keep the amused twinkle from his eyes though. When she did finally notice him, he didn't even have to look her way to know it. He kept his gaze firmly on the water ahead but he saw her flinch out of the corner of his eye. The only notion he gave that he noticed was the slight twitch of his lips.

She didn't cry out though, so at least that was in her favor. When he did slowly bring his own gaze around to meet hers, he was surprised to find her all but glaring at him like he'd already done something wrong. His brow lifted in puzzlement and his tail gave a sweeping motion behind him as he tilted his head some and pricked his ears. Her discomfort was all he could sense, both in her smell and her posture, and he liked the power he felt because of it. He didn't wish her harm, but knowing that she was already uncomfortable made him feel like maybe he was doing something right this time. At her question, his lips twitched again and he moved his mouth this time, emphasizing the words to see if she could keep up. "And how would you propose a mute does that?"

He kept all emotion from his faze as he mouthed the words to her, wanting to see the shock and maybe even guilt flash in her eyes when she realized the mistake she'd made. He used to get so angry when someone wondered why he couldn't talk, but now he found he could use it against them and it worked so much better. The female slowly stood and he watched with a neutral gaze, his own tail still swishing slowly at his haunches. She seemed to be trying to exude confidence and he wondered if that was because she was scared. She tried scolding him this time, saying a hello would work and he moved his mouth in a soundless laugh before replying this time. "I'll let you know how that works out." He mouthed to her in retort, his brow lifting again sarcastically as he met her gaze daringly.