Post by Therdde on Jun 20, 2008 20:11:14 GMT -5
Characters:
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Jage - Female Dog
- Sparse Copse -
It has been several days since Skelaghe has spoken to anyone, friend or stranger, and her feet have once more led her to the area where she has twice encountered dogs. The solitude is wearing on the shewolf, but she thought it necessary. And now... who better to give her some idea of where to go from here than animals who know Man intimately, at least stereotypically? She can only hope she can manage to get one of them to speak with her. She regrets. What she regrets doesn't matter. She has always taken solace in the idea that she has done all she could, and that has shielded her from worrying about anything in the past. Regret is not something she has ever really felt, and that is wearing on her at least as much as the solitude.
This is a necessary place for Jage to pass through, but that doesn't mean she has to like it. She hasn't seen hide or hair of the collarless pack or their intimidating leader for some time, but what she doesn't know -can- hurt her and she wants to get out of here and back to her charge as soon as possible. And it isn't just the collarless she wants to steer clear of - she can smell the familiar scent of wolf on the air, and with her encounter with Hinto still fresh in her mind, she doesn't want to risk another confrontation. Head lowered and moving quickly, Jage lopes along purposefully, keeping her eyes and ears open.
Skelaghe's dulled eyes scan the area warily, especially as her ears twitch to the noise of something moving. The sound causes her to stop, to listen carefully... And then to alter her direction before she begins moving again, a little faster now despite the fatigue that makes her legs seem heavy. Though she moves to intercept Jage, she is cautious, not wanting to stumble right ontop of the creature, where she might be vulnerable to attack. The level of caution she exercises is also unusual, but then, a lot that is going on around here is unusual.
Attentive as she is to anything that may try to attack her, the elkhound can hardly fail to notice the sound of a mystery creature close by. She stops in her tracks, mobile ears twitching as she stares about her. Nothing else can be heard creeping up on her but this one creature, and this gives Jage confidence. She isn't much a runner, but hopefully if she puts on enough of a show, she'll be left alone. Lifting her head high with ears perked forward, Jage puffs out her chest and neck and lets her hackles rise. She wants the whatever-it-is to know she knows it's there, and that she won't be an easy target.
It doesn't take Skelaghe long to sight Jage, standing still, and her own pace slows considerably, but she doesn't stop yet. She doesn't want to have to shout to be able to speak to this dog. Skelaghe's tail is relaxed behind her. Her ears are perked forward. And she doesn't stalk. She has no intention of attacking this canine. The sight of the collar gives Skelaghe renewed hope, and she tries to force a friendly smile as she draws closer to the dog.
A wolf! So soon on the heels of her last confrontation, Jage is wary of all things lupine. Could be one of the scavenger's packmates, here to exact vengeance. But the wolf's body language is all wrong for that scenario and Jage, being the rather unsubtle creature she is, takes it to heart. Her stance doesn't relax much, but her hackles flatten noticeably and she doesn't show any other signs of aggression. She does, however, stay where she is, forcing the wolf to approach her, curious despite herself as to what she may want.
Skelaghe has time, as she finishes closing the distance bettwen herself and Jage, to remind herself to be polite. Friendly. Not to hurry. Relations between wolves and dogs are strained in these lands, and the wrong word, in her rush, could destroy any chance she has at learning anything. Leaving several body lengths between them when she stops, she says, in a voice that is tired, but pleasant enough, "Good day."
Jage keeps a careful eye on the wolf as she approaches, looking out for any sign that she might try something. Satisfied that she finds none and quite surprised at the respectful way in which she is being treated, Jage inclines her head ever-so-slightly and returns the greeting in her own literal way. "It is." Tilting her head slightly, she tries to get a better look at the marking on the wolf's shoulder. She's never seen one like it before.
Skelaghe has done everything she can to preserve and fill in her former pack's symbol, but with no one to aid her, it has begun to fade. Even so, she knows full well what has caught Jage's eye, and in a rather risky move, she shifts her position just slightly, turning her side to the dog, leaving herself open to an attack. Given the tired way she moves, there is a good chance that she wouldn't be able to get out of the way in time, should this canine decide not to bother with Skelaghe. As she gives the dog a better view of the symbol, she explains, "It is the marking of my former pack."
Jage knows and appreciates the situation the wolf has just put herself in, and another dog might have taken advantage of it. The elkhound examines the symbol as best she can from where she stands, and gives a nod. She honestly understands what the wolf must be talking about, and in a reciprocal gesture Jage tilts her head to the side, further exposing her tattered but tough collar. "I, too, still bear a reminder of my pack." As wary as she tends to be of wolves, their perceived similarity has certainly relaxed Jage visibly, though whether collars and symbols can really be representing the same kind of bond is questionable.
"That is why I have come." Because of Jage's 'pack'. Too worn to remain standing, as she should, once she turns back to face the canine, she sits. She hadn't meant to be so casual, but unlike the other dog who looked remarkably similar to this one, this one at least seems to be willing to listen to her. Maybe not to believe her, but Skelaghe will accept just listening, for now.
The words have more of an effect on Jage than the wolf may have anticipated. Her expression changes - she looks suddenly intense, and she practically radiates anticipation and hope. Her wariness only barely tempers her emotion. This wolf...could she really be talking about Jage's pack?! As much as Jage doesn't want to get her hope up, she can't help it, but she reminds herself that the wolf's words are unclear. Skelaghe's exhaustion is evident, but Jage must get a clear answer. "You...have word of my pack?" She tries to keep her voice casual, but her tone and her body language are at odds.
Skelaghe cringes at Jage's reaction. What smile she had managed fades completely. This was not what she had intended. "I'm sorry. That is not what I meant." How would Skelaghe react, if someone came to her and hinted that it was because of one of her former packmates? It probably would be very similar to Jage's reaction, and she should have /known/ the effect her words would have. "I have come because I want to know more." And in order to learn about the animals known as Man, she has to talk to someone who has known them, as it would appear that anyone not born into their world is considered an enemy. That would certainly explain /why/ the dogs she has met before have been so cold towards her.
Jage deflates. Almost literally. Head, ears, tail, everything sinks. She should have known, of course, but hope is a hard thing for her to let go of. She's been disappointed so many times before, and yet, somehow, it never gets easier to take. But the wolf's regret at getting her hopes up seems genuine, and Jage doesn't hold it against her. "It is alright. I should not have expected it." She does seem surprised at what is asked of her. "What do you want to know more about?" What use could knowledge of a scattered pack be to a wolf?
"Man." Even though nothing has been directly said to let Skelaghe know that Jage was acquainted with men--her pack could have been a pack of canines--there /is/ that collar. Even if Jage wasn't wearing a collar, though, Skelaghe would have taken the chance. "What drives them, and what soothes them?" After watching Jage's reaction to what Skelaghe said moments ago, the shewolf almost feels guilty asking, and she wouldn't be surprised if she didn't get an answer, but she has to try.
"Man?" What an...odd thing for a wolf to be asking about. What could she want with such knowledge? Perhaps she means to hunt Man? It wouldn't be the first time a wolf had gotten it into their head to challenge humans. Jage's expression makes no secret of what she's thinking, moving through confusion to suspicion. And, of course, she's as blunt as ever. "Why would you want to know? Do you mean to harm them?" She frowns.
Skelaghe shakes her head and takes a deep breath. No. She doesn't have it in her to be vengeful under any circumstances. She is forgiving and gentle and kind. And tired. "I mean to help those they intend to harm." Because there /is/ a difference. She may not have it in her mind to harm anyone, human or animal, but she also doesn't have it in her mind to just lie around while more animals like that young fox are killed and left to rot in the open. Skelaghe's voice hitches, and she has a hard time maintaining her self control in the face of doubt and sorrow such as she is feeling.
Jage has only ever known humans as hunters. She has been lucky in that way - her master only ever killed in defense or for food - or so she thought, having been fed at least a little from each kill. She looks at humans through rose-eyed glasses, and she isn't quite sure what Skelaghe is talking about, or why she is so emotional about it. Is it not the way of the world? "But...you and I, we take prey as well. Why would you single out the prey of humans and deprive them of what we take so readily ourselves...?" She sounds genuinely confused.
Skelaghe is a huntress, yes. Not a very good one, but she is. Still... "I do not kill more than what I or those I care for can eat. I do not kill to prove I can. And I do not leave bodies strewn across the land." She will say nothing of why Jage kills. Maybe this is a fool's errand, and maybe Jage is as ruthless as the men who have arrived. She cannot leave it be, though. She is haunted by the young corpse she found, and by his brother's reaction. She is haunted by stories that she never paid much heed to, preferring lighter fare, stories with happy endings or lessons to be learned.
Jage shifts uncomfortably. What Skelaghe describes, killing for no other reason than to kill, is something she has seen before, and unfortunately amongst her fellow dogs. And she knows they must have learnt the habit from somewhere. Jage herself has an instinct to chase and hunt, but not for fun. If nothing else, it isn't a good strategy for long-term survival. "I...humans do not do such irresponsible things!" she claims, her voice rising a little before she checks herself. "Or...I should say, humans that I know of, that I have given my loyalty to...they do not." She frowns, not wanting to acknowledge the weaknesses of the species her entire life has been dedicated to.
Skelaghe lays her ears back when Jage raises her voice, however briefly. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to insult you or those you came from." At least, not consciously. This is the second time she has had to apologize, though, and she has begun to wonder whether this will, in fact, get her anywhere. After speaking, Skelaghe looks off to the west, and she does not immediately look back to this dog. Perhaps it just wasn't time yet, and by pushing herself to look for a solution to the pain she has witnessed, tired as she is... She frowns.
Jage doesn't respond to the apology at first, but keeps staring at Skelaghe. She knows there's a reason there, something to make this wolf, so friendly to dogs and so eager to offer her apologies, want to learn human weaknesses. Something that, it looks like, has pushed her to the brink of exhaustion. Jage cocks her head to one side, curious despite the perceived insults. "You did not, truly, but I am sensitive to words about humans. It is...difficult not to defend my loyalties when I am constantly persecuted for them."
"I understand." It was a long shot, at best. Skelaghe had no way of knowing for certain whether any of the dogs in the area truly were closely acquainted with humans, and she certainly has no right to expect that any of them would betray former loyalties to help her. She could only hope. She looks back to Jage, some semblance of self control back. This meeting was not entirely fruitless. She has to hold onto that. With a thin smile, she says, "Thank you for your time." It is as much as she has ever been granted by a dog before, and she does appreciate the chance she had to voice what she had to say. Now she needs time to think, and perhaps to rest, so she stands.
She's leaving already? Jage looks thoughtful, but as Skelaghe stands Jage too seems to realise that she has somewhere to be and glances west. She's probably being missed, and she doesn't need to give her fellow elkhound another excuse not to trust her. She looks back at Skelaghe. "Wolf..." She pauses for a few moments, thinking on what to say. "You are polite, and tolerant of my loyalties. You do not judge me for them, and I must ask myself why it is such a wolf would then choose to harbour such intentions towards Man." She shakes her head. "It cannot be without reason, and..." She frowns. "I am disturbed, for...it is hard for me to explain." She looks a little lost for words. This meeting, brief as it was, is the first time any wild animal has bothered to offer her a glimpse into a reason for their loathing for humans. She doesn't like it.
It doesn't matter that Skelaghe has no honest hatred for men, that she would not wish any random human harm. She implied as much, but Jage is apparently blind to that idea. It doesn't matter that Skelaghe wishes only to defend against man, not attack. Why is still a valid question. Skelaghe doesn't move. She breathes deeply for a moment. Why? "I've already lost one home to death and sorrow. I don't think I'm strong enough to lose another." Sure, she didn't know the fox kit, but will she be that lucky the next time she spots a body with unnatural wounds? And if she isn't, will she be able to move past that loss and remain here for those who still might benefit from her friendship? And if she isn't, can she really start over again? She doesn't care if Jage wanted to hear an answer. It is cleansing to voice her doubts. But that is all she can do. She /has/ to be strong, for those still nursing wounds from before and for those whose wounds are fresher. After answering, she finally turns, to head southward. She'll give herself some distance from this dog, then she'll head west until she's ready to lie down.
Before her recent meeting with humans, before her confrontation with the scavenging wolf, perhaps Jage would not have been so suspicious of Skelaghe's intentions, and so unwilling to believe that she meant no real harm. But sadly that isn't the case, and with Jage's own defensive prejudices still at the forefront of her mind, she can't look past them to see that perhaps this wolf merely wishes to protect those she cares for. Jage frowns as the wolf turns away, with the uncomfortable feeling that she may, somehow, have offended her. The elkhound turns aside without another word, deep in thought. It will take more than a lone wolf to shake her faith in humankind.
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Jage - Female Dog
- Sparse Copse -
It has been several days since Skelaghe has spoken to anyone, friend or stranger, and her feet have once more led her to the area where she has twice encountered dogs. The solitude is wearing on the shewolf, but she thought it necessary. And now... who better to give her some idea of where to go from here than animals who know Man intimately, at least stereotypically? She can only hope she can manage to get one of them to speak with her. She regrets. What she regrets doesn't matter. She has always taken solace in the idea that she has done all she could, and that has shielded her from worrying about anything in the past. Regret is not something she has ever really felt, and that is wearing on her at least as much as the solitude.
This is a necessary place for Jage to pass through, but that doesn't mean she has to like it. She hasn't seen hide or hair of the collarless pack or their intimidating leader for some time, but what she doesn't know -can- hurt her and she wants to get out of here and back to her charge as soon as possible. And it isn't just the collarless she wants to steer clear of - she can smell the familiar scent of wolf on the air, and with her encounter with Hinto still fresh in her mind, she doesn't want to risk another confrontation. Head lowered and moving quickly, Jage lopes along purposefully, keeping her eyes and ears open.
Skelaghe's dulled eyes scan the area warily, especially as her ears twitch to the noise of something moving. The sound causes her to stop, to listen carefully... And then to alter her direction before she begins moving again, a little faster now despite the fatigue that makes her legs seem heavy. Though she moves to intercept Jage, she is cautious, not wanting to stumble right ontop of the creature, where she might be vulnerable to attack. The level of caution she exercises is also unusual, but then, a lot that is going on around here is unusual.
Attentive as she is to anything that may try to attack her, the elkhound can hardly fail to notice the sound of a mystery creature close by. She stops in her tracks, mobile ears twitching as she stares about her. Nothing else can be heard creeping up on her but this one creature, and this gives Jage confidence. She isn't much a runner, but hopefully if she puts on enough of a show, she'll be left alone. Lifting her head high with ears perked forward, Jage puffs out her chest and neck and lets her hackles rise. She wants the whatever-it-is to know she knows it's there, and that she won't be an easy target.
It doesn't take Skelaghe long to sight Jage, standing still, and her own pace slows considerably, but she doesn't stop yet. She doesn't want to have to shout to be able to speak to this dog. Skelaghe's tail is relaxed behind her. Her ears are perked forward. And she doesn't stalk. She has no intention of attacking this canine. The sight of the collar gives Skelaghe renewed hope, and she tries to force a friendly smile as she draws closer to the dog.
A wolf! So soon on the heels of her last confrontation, Jage is wary of all things lupine. Could be one of the scavenger's packmates, here to exact vengeance. But the wolf's body language is all wrong for that scenario and Jage, being the rather unsubtle creature she is, takes it to heart. Her stance doesn't relax much, but her hackles flatten noticeably and she doesn't show any other signs of aggression. She does, however, stay where she is, forcing the wolf to approach her, curious despite herself as to what she may want.
Skelaghe has time, as she finishes closing the distance bettwen herself and Jage, to remind herself to be polite. Friendly. Not to hurry. Relations between wolves and dogs are strained in these lands, and the wrong word, in her rush, could destroy any chance she has at learning anything. Leaving several body lengths between them when she stops, she says, in a voice that is tired, but pleasant enough, "Good day."
Jage keeps a careful eye on the wolf as she approaches, looking out for any sign that she might try something. Satisfied that she finds none and quite surprised at the respectful way in which she is being treated, Jage inclines her head ever-so-slightly and returns the greeting in her own literal way. "It is." Tilting her head slightly, she tries to get a better look at the marking on the wolf's shoulder. She's never seen one like it before.
Skelaghe has done everything she can to preserve and fill in her former pack's symbol, but with no one to aid her, it has begun to fade. Even so, she knows full well what has caught Jage's eye, and in a rather risky move, she shifts her position just slightly, turning her side to the dog, leaving herself open to an attack. Given the tired way she moves, there is a good chance that she wouldn't be able to get out of the way in time, should this canine decide not to bother with Skelaghe. As she gives the dog a better view of the symbol, she explains, "It is the marking of my former pack."
Jage knows and appreciates the situation the wolf has just put herself in, and another dog might have taken advantage of it. The elkhound examines the symbol as best she can from where she stands, and gives a nod. She honestly understands what the wolf must be talking about, and in a reciprocal gesture Jage tilts her head to the side, further exposing her tattered but tough collar. "I, too, still bear a reminder of my pack." As wary as she tends to be of wolves, their perceived similarity has certainly relaxed Jage visibly, though whether collars and symbols can really be representing the same kind of bond is questionable.
"That is why I have come." Because of Jage's 'pack'. Too worn to remain standing, as she should, once she turns back to face the canine, she sits. She hadn't meant to be so casual, but unlike the other dog who looked remarkably similar to this one, this one at least seems to be willing to listen to her. Maybe not to believe her, but Skelaghe will accept just listening, for now.
The words have more of an effect on Jage than the wolf may have anticipated. Her expression changes - she looks suddenly intense, and she practically radiates anticipation and hope. Her wariness only barely tempers her emotion. This wolf...could she really be talking about Jage's pack?! As much as Jage doesn't want to get her hope up, she can't help it, but she reminds herself that the wolf's words are unclear. Skelaghe's exhaustion is evident, but Jage must get a clear answer. "You...have word of my pack?" She tries to keep her voice casual, but her tone and her body language are at odds.
Skelaghe cringes at Jage's reaction. What smile she had managed fades completely. This was not what she had intended. "I'm sorry. That is not what I meant." How would Skelaghe react, if someone came to her and hinted that it was because of one of her former packmates? It probably would be very similar to Jage's reaction, and she should have /known/ the effect her words would have. "I have come because I want to know more." And in order to learn about the animals known as Man, she has to talk to someone who has known them, as it would appear that anyone not born into their world is considered an enemy. That would certainly explain /why/ the dogs she has met before have been so cold towards her.
Jage deflates. Almost literally. Head, ears, tail, everything sinks. She should have known, of course, but hope is a hard thing for her to let go of. She's been disappointed so many times before, and yet, somehow, it never gets easier to take. But the wolf's regret at getting her hopes up seems genuine, and Jage doesn't hold it against her. "It is alright. I should not have expected it." She does seem surprised at what is asked of her. "What do you want to know more about?" What use could knowledge of a scattered pack be to a wolf?
"Man." Even though nothing has been directly said to let Skelaghe know that Jage was acquainted with men--her pack could have been a pack of canines--there /is/ that collar. Even if Jage wasn't wearing a collar, though, Skelaghe would have taken the chance. "What drives them, and what soothes them?" After watching Jage's reaction to what Skelaghe said moments ago, the shewolf almost feels guilty asking, and she wouldn't be surprised if she didn't get an answer, but she has to try.
"Man?" What an...odd thing for a wolf to be asking about. What could she want with such knowledge? Perhaps she means to hunt Man? It wouldn't be the first time a wolf had gotten it into their head to challenge humans. Jage's expression makes no secret of what she's thinking, moving through confusion to suspicion. And, of course, she's as blunt as ever. "Why would you want to know? Do you mean to harm them?" She frowns.
Skelaghe shakes her head and takes a deep breath. No. She doesn't have it in her to be vengeful under any circumstances. She is forgiving and gentle and kind. And tired. "I mean to help those they intend to harm." Because there /is/ a difference. She may not have it in her mind to harm anyone, human or animal, but she also doesn't have it in her mind to just lie around while more animals like that young fox are killed and left to rot in the open. Skelaghe's voice hitches, and she has a hard time maintaining her self control in the face of doubt and sorrow such as she is feeling.
Jage has only ever known humans as hunters. She has been lucky in that way - her master only ever killed in defense or for food - or so she thought, having been fed at least a little from each kill. She looks at humans through rose-eyed glasses, and she isn't quite sure what Skelaghe is talking about, or why she is so emotional about it. Is it not the way of the world? "But...you and I, we take prey as well. Why would you single out the prey of humans and deprive them of what we take so readily ourselves...?" She sounds genuinely confused.
Skelaghe is a huntress, yes. Not a very good one, but she is. Still... "I do not kill more than what I or those I care for can eat. I do not kill to prove I can. And I do not leave bodies strewn across the land." She will say nothing of why Jage kills. Maybe this is a fool's errand, and maybe Jage is as ruthless as the men who have arrived. She cannot leave it be, though. She is haunted by the young corpse she found, and by his brother's reaction. She is haunted by stories that she never paid much heed to, preferring lighter fare, stories with happy endings or lessons to be learned.
Jage shifts uncomfortably. What Skelaghe describes, killing for no other reason than to kill, is something she has seen before, and unfortunately amongst her fellow dogs. And she knows they must have learnt the habit from somewhere. Jage herself has an instinct to chase and hunt, but not for fun. If nothing else, it isn't a good strategy for long-term survival. "I...humans do not do such irresponsible things!" she claims, her voice rising a little before she checks herself. "Or...I should say, humans that I know of, that I have given my loyalty to...they do not." She frowns, not wanting to acknowledge the weaknesses of the species her entire life has been dedicated to.
Skelaghe lays her ears back when Jage raises her voice, however briefly. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to insult you or those you came from." At least, not consciously. This is the second time she has had to apologize, though, and she has begun to wonder whether this will, in fact, get her anywhere. After speaking, Skelaghe looks off to the west, and she does not immediately look back to this dog. Perhaps it just wasn't time yet, and by pushing herself to look for a solution to the pain she has witnessed, tired as she is... She frowns.
Jage doesn't respond to the apology at first, but keeps staring at Skelaghe. She knows there's a reason there, something to make this wolf, so friendly to dogs and so eager to offer her apologies, want to learn human weaknesses. Something that, it looks like, has pushed her to the brink of exhaustion. Jage cocks her head to one side, curious despite the perceived insults. "You did not, truly, but I am sensitive to words about humans. It is...difficult not to defend my loyalties when I am constantly persecuted for them."
"I understand." It was a long shot, at best. Skelaghe had no way of knowing for certain whether any of the dogs in the area truly were closely acquainted with humans, and she certainly has no right to expect that any of them would betray former loyalties to help her. She could only hope. She looks back to Jage, some semblance of self control back. This meeting was not entirely fruitless. She has to hold onto that. With a thin smile, she says, "Thank you for your time." It is as much as she has ever been granted by a dog before, and she does appreciate the chance she had to voice what she had to say. Now she needs time to think, and perhaps to rest, so she stands.
She's leaving already? Jage looks thoughtful, but as Skelaghe stands Jage too seems to realise that she has somewhere to be and glances west. She's probably being missed, and she doesn't need to give her fellow elkhound another excuse not to trust her. She looks back at Skelaghe. "Wolf..." She pauses for a few moments, thinking on what to say. "You are polite, and tolerant of my loyalties. You do not judge me for them, and I must ask myself why it is such a wolf would then choose to harbour such intentions towards Man." She shakes her head. "It cannot be without reason, and..." She frowns. "I am disturbed, for...it is hard for me to explain." She looks a little lost for words. This meeting, brief as it was, is the first time any wild animal has bothered to offer her a glimpse into a reason for their loathing for humans. She doesn't like it.
It doesn't matter that Skelaghe has no honest hatred for men, that she would not wish any random human harm. She implied as much, but Jage is apparently blind to that idea. It doesn't matter that Skelaghe wishes only to defend against man, not attack. Why is still a valid question. Skelaghe doesn't move. She breathes deeply for a moment. Why? "I've already lost one home to death and sorrow. I don't think I'm strong enough to lose another." Sure, she didn't know the fox kit, but will she be that lucky the next time she spots a body with unnatural wounds? And if she isn't, will she be able to move past that loss and remain here for those who still might benefit from her friendship? And if she isn't, can she really start over again? She doesn't care if Jage wanted to hear an answer. It is cleansing to voice her doubts. But that is all she can do. She /has/ to be strong, for those still nursing wounds from before and for those whose wounds are fresher. After answering, she finally turns, to head southward. She'll give herself some distance from this dog, then she'll head west until she's ready to lie down.
Before her recent meeting with humans, before her confrontation with the scavenging wolf, perhaps Jage would not have been so suspicious of Skelaghe's intentions, and so unwilling to believe that she meant no real harm. But sadly that isn't the case, and with Jage's own defensive prejudices still at the forefront of her mind, she can't look past them to see that perhaps this wolf merely wishes to protect those she cares for. Jage frowns as the wolf turns away, with the uncomfortable feeling that she may, somehow, have offended her. The elkhound turns aside without another word, deep in thought. It will take more than a lone wolf to shake her faith in humankind.