Nova smiled, "Thank you," she replied, "it's nice to meet you, Alyssa."

She then lowered her eyes to her paws.

"And I'm running from my pack, because I know too much."

Alyssa looked at the wolf sympathetically, "Oh, I'm sorry that I asked."

"No, it's ok." Nova responded, gaining her composure.

"I'm actually going to a river for a bath." Alyssa said.

She then walked off a little bit and turned her head. "Would you care to join?"

Nova cocked her head, as the invitation came across as strange to her since she had just met this fox, but her pelt was indeed a little dirty from running, also her forearms and shoulders were slightly blood stained from killing wild game.

"Uh, yeah, sure I'll join you," she replied, "I could use a bath."

A grey wolf with flecks of black fur scattered across his pelt moved across the snow with little to no cares as to which direction he traveled just so as long said direction led him away from his former pack quickly. He may have left them a matter of about four days ago, but he still didn't feel as though he was safe. After all, they would have surely come after him. He didn't know why they could not simply leave him alone. He may have been crazy, or so they all thought he was, but he was not a danger to himself or anybody else. Neither was his brother Caleb. So why would they ostracize him for believing as well as knowing that his brother was still there? Just because he died in infancy did not mean he ever left, nevertheless Caleb had his back, and he would not allow them to hurt him. So he was exiled, and now here he was.

"Hey Cal, you see that up there?" Ash whispered to his brother.

Caleb squinted his eyes and gazed off in the direction indicated by his brother and his gaze fell upon a wolf who shared company with a fox.

"Yeah, so?" he asked.

"So... maybe they know where we can find food or even a new pack?" Ash said to him.

Caleb shrugged.

"Huh, you're right," he replied, "maybe they do."

Ash nodded.

"Alright," he said, "follow me."

As Alyssa walked aside Nova she began to think and naturally something came to mind.

"Soo, do you have a special someone?" She questioned.

Nova chuckled, "Nah, I've never had anything like that," she replied, "what about you?"

"Still Searching I guess, do you ever wish to find love?"

"Maybe one day," Nova replied, "when I meet the right guy. What about you?"

"I wish to find it soon, but I really shouldn't rush my life. There's just so much out there for me to explore." Alyssa responded.

"You got that right," Nova said with a interesting proposition in mind, "the world is ours to discover, maybe even together if you'd like. So what'd'ya say? You wanna team up for a while, see what we can find out here?"

Alyssa was surprised, and wether Nova knew it or not she was indeed looking for a friend, so after hearing that question she knew she made the right choice.

"Sure, why not!" Alyssa smiled with glee.

"Alright, cool," Nova replied with a happy sway of her tail, "so where would you like to go first?"

"Well of course the river first, and after that where ever the wind takes us maybe."

The duo then froze as they saw a strange wolf on approach. Nova had shown an expression of worry though Alyssa felt slightly uneasy.

Ash could tell by the way they stood that the wolf and the fox were afraid of him, so he lowered his head and his tail to show that he intended to do them no harm. Nova watched him as he drew near, ready to fight or flee if need be, but when he took a seat before her, she eased up slightly.

"Hello," She greeted, "I'm Nova, and this is Alyssa."

Ash smiled.

"It's nice to meet the two of you," Ash replied warmly, "I'm Ash, and the ugly wolf at my right is Caleb."

Caleb scowled at Ash's jab, but remained silent.

The girls looked at eachother in dismay and then looked at Ash.

"Umm, I'm sorry, but who is Caleb?" Alyssa questioned.

"Um... Ash, you do know that they can't see or hear me, right?" Caleb reminded.

"Of course I know that, Cal," Ash snapped, but to Nova and Alyssa, it appeared as though this wolf was arguing with some invisible imaginary figure, "but that doesn't mean that I should completely ignore you."

"It would be better if you didn't mention me to everyone you just met," Caleb argued, "they will think you're weird."

Ash simply rolled his eyes then turned back to Nova and Alyssa, who both stood uncomfortably before him.

"Sorry about that," he apologized, "Caleb is just my b-, I mean just a friend of mine y'know it's really nothing to worry about."

"Oh... I see..." Nova replied awkwardly, whilst Alyssa nodded in agreement.

"Um, well, I guess we better get going Nova. You know before the sun sets and the river gets to cold, nice meeting you Ash, and um, Caleb."

"Told you, you'd freak them out," Caleb said bitterly, but Ash ignored him.

"Aw, come on, you don't have to go just yet, do you?" Ash asked them, "I was wondering if you could help me with something."

"And what is that?" Alyssa responded slightly interested.

"Well, we've been traveling for quite a way," Ash explained, "and we haven't had much food or rest. Do you know if there are any fertile hunting grounds nearby? I know it's hard to find food in the winter."

"You couldn't have sounded any more desperate if you tried," Caleb teased.