NOTES: Hi guys! First story I've ever wrote, so take it easy on me! Mir's thoughts are in italic. An idea popped in my head and I needed to write it out. Updates will be weekly or biweekly.
EDIT: I went through and proofread and extended some scenes a bit. 1/30/17
"Mir, Mir, come, you must come quickly!" Mir ran at the terrified tone, skidding into the doorframe as she did so. Her mom stood in the middle of the bedroom, a small pack of belongings piled on a threadbare blanket and her infant sister held in shaking arms. "You must be quick, and find your father. Mir, my sweet girl, run as fast as you can. Tell him they are waiting." They? Who's they? Why is she so scared?
She ran as fast as her short legs would take her, her brown braids whipping around her face. Heading to the most likely spot where father spent most of his time, she wrenched the door open. Glancing inside, she noted his tools were still on the counter, and woodwork left untouched. Sprinting in the direction of the barn, she scanned in there, spotting her father in the corner, digging into the ground. "Father? Father? Mother called for you, she said someone was waiting? Who?" Her father glanced in Mir's general direction.
His lips pressed firmly together. "No one, Mir, go take Laye for a walk," He replied. Mir did as she was told, calling Laye, who trotted obediently behind, the brown ears flapping with every step. Why is mama acting so funny? Papa is acting like himself. I wonder why mama packed so much stuff, are we going on a picnic? They distanced themselves, staying within the borders of their village but descending into the surrounding vegetation. Sitting herself at the base of the tree, Mir played with the ends of her braids, while the pup sniffed around, nose to the ground, bounding through bushes and tall grass. Laye sneezed and thumped on the ground beside Mir. Scratching her ears absentmindedly, Mir put her head in her hands, bored.
Suddenly, Laye cocked her ears and sat up on her haunches. She lifted her muzzle and growled. A deep growl, unlike any other noise Mir had ever heard from that sweet, carefree dog. Mir stood, her instincts on alert and legs shaking, knees knocking. Laye shot out, running through the trees. Mir ran after her, dodging as many prickly plants as she could. A small yelp echoed before a silence descended on the forest.
"Faye? Faye, you silly dog, come here!" Mir yelled, skidding to a stop at the ghastly sight before her. She screamed, unable to process what was happening. A large, muscled dark being stood over her precious family dog, making sputtering noises, and speaking in a language, unfamiliar to Mir. The being was so ugly and smelled so horrendous that Mir held her nose. At the sound of her scream, that, that THING turned it's head, smiling with blackened teeth, and yellow eyes. It laughed and cocked it's head, a rusted, spiked sword rising as it took a step. Mir was frightened, more frightened than when her father tanned her hide for touching the hot coals, more frightened than when a fellow man stole their goat and shot an arrow inches from her head. She stood there, quivering. As the thing came closer, a gurgling laugh in it's throat as it approached her, Mir bolted.
She ran, her legs pumping as adrenaline raced through her body. She was smacked and scratched by brambles as she threw herself forward, praying she could make enough distance between herself and that monster. Breaking branches reminded her that that being was making chase, whooping and making a ruckus. Seeing a encampment of wild brambles, Mir slid in it, ensuring she got far enough that the bushes above her would block the weapon's swing and far enough that the being couldn't reach her.
A low grumble was heard by the opening, as two guttural voices joined in, making a trio of them. "Ghar, 'er waitin for you, ya know," one said. The original replied with a shit eating grin, "Well boys, got a treat for ya tonight. Over 'er is a little girl, meat on tonight!" All three laughed, their voices chilling. Mir trembled, ever mindful to keep herself as hidden as possible. She then curled in a ball weeping silently. What did I do to deserve this? Where's mother? Father? Faye?
A commotion ended as soon as it began. Swords whistled through the air, and quiver strings were being notched and pulled, faster than Mir's eyes could follow. One of the three lay on the ground by the thicket with an arrow tip poking through the top of it's head. Groans were cut off abruptly, a sudden squelching sound, and oppressive silence blanketed the scenery. Mir kept as quiet as she could clenching her teeth together and willing herself to not let any noise escape. Much to her dismay, she let out small sob and clasped her hands in front of her mouth. Two pairs of smooth leather booted feet turned her way, stepping to where she hid, graceful symbols etched by the laces, their footsteps silent. Where'd the other two things go? These shoes don't look like theirs. How are these steps making no noise? Please oh please don't eat me!