I don't own anything but Terra
Howl was the first downstairs the next morning. Terra had already woken and was lying in the corner, head up and ears forward. If the wizard looked at her, the wolf's ears would go back temporarily, but they came forward again if his attention turned to other things.
Calcifer found this very amusing, much to Howl's annoyance. Terra lurched to her feet when she heard Sophie and Markl's footsteps.
The wolf's tail even began to wag, greatly surprising all the humans and the fire demon. Markl approached hesitantly, unsure if Terra's good humor would last. Her ears stayed forward and her tail continued to wag no matter how close the boy came.
He even began to stroke the wolf's silky fur, an action which only drew more tail-wagging. Terra sniffed the boy's face curiously. He laughed, "It tickles!" Sophie and the former Witch of the Waste came over as well, and soon all three were fussing over Terra.
Howl smiled, glad that everything was working out alright. Sophie untied the muzzle and let it fall. The humans watched with bated breath as Terra opened and closed her mouth a few times. The wolf seemed to be smiling.
Markl ventured back and began stroking her again, getting a thorough face-lick as thanks. Terra made her way over to the hearth, where Calcifer rested on a log. The wolf put her front paws on the ledge and studied the fire demon.
He reached out a hand and patted the outstretched nose. Calcifer pulled it back immediately, gasping, "Agh!"
"What? What happened?" Sophie asked. The fire demon glared at Terra, "Her nose is wet! No one told me it would be wet!"
The entire room erupted in laughter, the humans rolling around on the floor in their merriment. Calcifer grinned sheepishly. Terra threw her head back and barked happily.
Sophie fought her way to her feet, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes. Markl got up next, then Howl. The wizard patted Terra's head, "Welcome to the family!" His statement was enthusiastically echoed by the others.
The wolf cocked her head and grinned at them. Calcifer stretched up towards the ceiling, "So, who wants bacon?"
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Later that day, Sophie walked through the castle, poking in the corners and looking under furniture. "Terra!" she called, "Terra?" She entered her room, unused since she married Howl. The wolf was sitting on the bed, staring straight at her.
"Hello, Sophie." The human did a double-take, "Did you just speak?" Terra nodded, "Yes. I am fully capable of speaking your language. In fact, I am fluent in several or your tongues."
Sophie gaped at the wolf, who sighed. "Let me explain. Madame Suliman captured me and several of my tribemates about a year ago. She experimented on us, attempting to teach us the human language and magic. I was the only survivor. I managed to escape yesterday and cast a teleportation spell. I wound up reappearing in this castle, and you know the story from there. Suliman's henchmen are probably out hunting me right now. I don't want to endanger all of you, so I will depart soon. Keep an eye out, and be careful. Good luck."
Terra leapt lightly down from the bed and headed for the door. Sophie stepped into the wolf's path and knelt down. "Terra," the human lifted Terra's chin with her finger, "Before you try and face those monsters alone, let's tell Howl your story. I'm sure he'll want to help."
The wolf shook her head vehemently, "I can't let you put yourselves in harm's way for me. Now let me pass." Sophie smiled, "I want to help. At least tell Howl. Let him decide for himself."
Terra sighed, "He will insist on helping, even though the odds are stacked against me. Let me pass. I don't want any of you to get hurt." Sophie straightened, "Fine. If you won't accept our help…"
The young woman stepped back and slammed the door shut. She locked the wolf inside, while Terra's voice called out, "Sophie! Sophie, let me out right now!"
