We'll All Float On [Open]

The soft wind buffeted against Akelas fur as they weaved their way between the sawed tree stumps. The silence of these woods was somewhat comforting to the wolf-dog after all their life had been plagued by the howls of pain from dogs, wolves and wolf-dogs as the cruel, odd creatures had seemed to deem their kind. Now the silence here provided Akela with comfort beyond the imagination as the pleas, the begging was no longer humming softly in their ears. Instead, the buzzing of a bee hive was there, causing Akela to cast their gaze upwards and make a silent note of where this hanging bomb was.

However, as Akela made their way further through the forest, their gaze was caught by the black and white fur of a dog. At first, Akela had thought this was a trespasser,  and as such had begun to prepare to run this dog out of Sawtooths territory. But upon realizing that not only did this dog seem familiar, but the scent did too as it washed over their senses like a tidal wave. The name of this packmate hadn't popped instantly into their mind and Akela stood still, hesitating as they debated about presenting themself when they couldn't even remember who this was exactly.

With a soft inhale of the chilly breeze that was swirling in their pelt, Akela stepped from behind the tree slump which they had found themself to have drifted behind as they debated their options. Padding up, slowly, softly, Akela had opened their jaws before quickly closing them as they continued to attempt reminding themself of this animals name. With a deep sigh, Akela had finally made themself known by pressing forward and smiling just a bit down towards this dog. They examined the features of this dog before the name seemed to hit them like a train.  "Tressa right?" they had started off, peering towards the soft tone shinning through, though still seeming cautious and curious as they tilted their head to the side, simply seeming to be asking if they had been correct. If not, Akela would be quick to apologize to this dog and be quick to learn their name. After all, Akela should already be acquainted with their cpackmates, meaning at least knowing their name, even if not off the top of their head. Without asking, Akela had plopped down onto their haunches and await Tressas answer. 

When Tressa had turned to look towards Akela, mirroring the little smile the wolf-dog was currently offering, Akela felt a slight sense of relaxation. It wasn't specifically the fact that Tressa had been the one Akela ran into, rather the fact that the Sawtooth packmate had smiled back and not ignored them. It felt nice, relaxing even, to know Akela didn't have to worry about being ignored or overlooked in those moment as they shifted closer to the stump Tressa was currently on.

Ah! They had been correct on the name. "Tressa is a pretty name," they had offered the compliment so calmly, just as if it was a simple thing. Which, technically it was, but sometimes that wasn't always the case. Their gaze resting along the dog beside them by now, Akelas ears had perked up slightly when they had heard their name from Tressa. Nodding at her, Akela offered another smile as they confirmed their name "you would be correct, it's nice to meet you Tressa," their voice had a certain calmness, even sounding smooth as they lowered themself onto their haunches and watched Tressa with a close eye.

A little eyebrow raise had come from them when Tressa had gotten up and buried..that was a squirrel, right? Either way, whatever the piece of prey was Akela watched as it was covered by earth. When Tressa began to speak, Akela had raised their chin slightly and looked over towards Tressa, giving a slow nod in response. It made sense, so there was no reason to even question it. "Is that why you were out here? To hunt, I mean."