Fell crept through the human town, his black fur blending in with the shadows. He read the humans' minds and saw dreams. Good, he would not be noticed. He trotted to a fence, which contained sheep. Fell began to drool, looking at the juicy meat. Suddenly, the sheep panicked! A wolf was among them, its pelt like liquid moonlight, its strange green eyes shining with excitement. A shout when up from the other side of the fence. A human shout! The wolf had been spotted! It whirled and ran, barreling into Fell. He snarled and sized the wolf up. She was a fairly pretty silver she-wolf with green eyes. Green eyes? I've never seen a wolf with green eyes. Fell thought. She was about as tall as him, lithe and muscled. The humans shouted again and Fell whirled and ran, sensing the she-wolf behind him. Can't get rid of her now. Thinks Fell, dashing through the woods. He suddenly grabbed her scruff and dragged her into a hollow at the base of a tree. They crouched in the cramped space, uncomfortably close. The humans pounded by, and Fell crept from the hole, shook himself, and began padding away. The she-wolf climbed out and padded after him.
"Hey! Don't just walk away!"
Fell spun around and snarled angrily at her. She trembled but didn't back down.
"I'm Aelia. I owe you my life." Growled the she-wolf. "What's your name?"
"What's it to you?" Fell growled, advancing aggressively toward her.
Aelia took a cautious step back. "I didn't know this was your territory! I ask Larka's Blessing." She said, trembling a bit.
Fell turned away. Larka. The very mention of his sister made him turn away, holding back tears.
"I'm sorry. Did... did I say something wrong?" Aelia asked, sounding concerned.
"Fell. My name... is Fell." Fell muttered, not able to snap at Aelia.
"Oh! I'm sorry... I didn't... I mean.... if I had known who you... if I knew she was your..." Aelia seemed at a loss for words.
"Don't bother." Snarled Fell, a tear seeping from his eye.
"I'm sorry." Whispered Aelia, pressing her side against Fell's.
For a few moments, Fell buried his muzzle in Aelia's soft fur, glad to finally have someone who understood. A friend, even. Then he realized what he was doing and pulled away, embarrassed. Aelia didn't seem to mind.
"I heard a rumor somewhere, and I was going to investigate. At Harja. But the journey is very lonely and tiresome. Would... would you like to come with me? You will probably be interested in the rumor." Aelia told Fell, looking at him carefully.
Fell jerked his head up to lock eyes with Aelia. Harja. Where the Vision had come. Where Morgra and Larka had fallen from the bridge, spinning into oblivion. "What is the rumor?" he asked in a pained whisper.
Aelia looked at Fell. "Fell. The rumor I've heard... it's life altering for you, Fell."
"Tell me."
Aelia gazed steadily into Fell's eyes. "Larka.... she's alive."
