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Birch Wood padded listlessly through the forest. It was a beautiful spring day; birds were hallooing to each other, bees tumbled by busily as they searched for freshly bloomed flowers, and the trees seemed to show off the little patches of green slowly unfurling on their branches. Yes, for all intents and purposes, it was a beautiful day. Alas, Birch felt restless. aside from the occasional loner male, he hadn't really met another soul in almost a moon. Having come from a relatively loving pack, he found himself missing the company and connection they had once provided him. At least during winter he would run into the occasional wolf who needed a paw; being helpful gave him a purpose. But now that the season of rebirth was upon them, fewer wolves needed help and more were becoming territorial. With a heavy sigh, he turned his nose towards the smell of water, knowing he would have to stop for a drink soon if he was going to continue wandering aimlessly through the trees.

Birch Wood almost became so completely lost in his reverie as he approached a small bend in the river that he barely noticed the familiar scent on the wind. It wasn't until he rounded a small group of trees and the breeze picked up slightly that he scented her before he saw her. His jade green eyes scanned the area until they landed upon one of the most beautiful she-wolves he had ever seen. The dappled sun played across her soft brown fur, her white tipped ears perked in his direction; she seemed apprehensive.

He smiled softly and sighed a little to himself, what a world they lived in that wolves must be wary of one another before certainty of motive. He paused and held up his tail in a friendly manner before calling out, "Halloo fair one; do not be alarmed, I pass in peace". After the introduction, he stood in place a little hesitantly, uncertain if perhaps he had stumbled upon someone's territory without realizing. In fact, he might be misreading the situation entirely, "I do hope you do not mind my presence. I came for nothing more than a simple drink of water, but I would also be happy for the company".

Birch smiled his naturally soft smile as she appeared to relax a little bit after he spoke. The stranger seemed sweet and shy, which was a rather refreshing change, if not somewhat unusual compared to the wolves Birch has often stumbled across. He nodded politely and padded to the creek's edge, bending down to lap at the water. It was always a comfort when he could discern that he wasn't treading on someone's turf. Even with the territory-owners that were understanding, you always still felt like you had to leave sooner rather than later.

She had seemed so quiet that Birch was actually quite surprised when she spoke again. Her words were halting, but sweet, and he raised his head to peer over at her before replying, "Ah, I would disagree. Company is not something to be had, but to be shared. Even silent company is good company if those sharing it are at ease and enjoying the beauty of the world around them. In fact, I find myself already enjoying your company... Miss...?" He paused for a moment, wanting to know her name, with every intention of supplying his once the pleasantries proceeded. He liked these kinds of meetings; they were soothing for a weary soul.