AN: Thanks for the reviews from All-Mighty-Kikyo and Inkish Quill.

Blaze

Chapter Two The Visitors

Marena's POV

Date: April 23, 2215

Dear Diary,

It has been about a week since the silver wolf was killed. I didn't believe father at first when he told me that it was dead, but the people in the town found the body. He said they called it a dog. Even though hunting is not banned in our town it should be, animals are always getting killed. Some people around here can be dangerous with their guns. Father says we have visitors in the town staying at the Inn. Maybe since I have to go into town tomorrow I can see them. Rikka is excited about going tomorrow she has always liked to go into town with me. I do hope that no one mistakes her for a wolf and tries to shoot her.

Narrator's POV

Marena and Rikka walked toward the town as their small house disappeared into the horizon. The cool air of spring blew across Marena as she walked. The trees to her right blew in the wind making the snow fall from them. She smiled as she looked at the branches because she could see the leaves starting to form on the leaves. Rikka barked in excitement once she could see the town. Rikka made circles around Marena trying to get her to walk faster. Marena laughed when Rikka tripped and fell over a small tree branch in the path. When they got closer to the town Rikka took off running Marena tried to follow her, but she couldn't run fast enough to keep up with Rikka.

"Rikka, slow down we will still get there," Marena said slowing down a little bit as she came to the town. She knew people would talk even more about her if they saw her running into the town. They already talked enough since her mother died and her father began to act differently around her. She knew that was just the way he was. People also whispered as she passed with Rikka. Rikka was such a big dog that everyone had to stare at her. Once Marena got to the town she noticed that Rikka wasn't anywhere in sight.

Marena's POV

"Rikka!" I yelled, "Rikka where are you?" She never runs off unless it is something important or there is danger. Unlike most dogs that run away from danger, she runs towards it even if the danger is miles away. All I usually have to do is call and she comes running. Father going to be angry if I don't come back with her, he doesn't like me to take her into town with me.

Narrator's POV

Marena walked down all the main streets looking for Rikka. Rikka wasn't in any of her usual hiding places. Marena was getting worried and it was getting late so she went to do her shopping first. She would just have to come back and look later for Rikka. Marena walked back to the street going out of town where the market was and started shopping. Marena was mostly looking for a new idea on what to cook as she visited all of the food stands on the street. Her favorite one was coming up with the only shopkeeper that spoke to her. The shopkeeper was a short elderly man and was the only one in town that sold spices. He grinned as Marena approached his stand.

"Good day, Marena," he said to her once she sat down her bag of food, "You're coming around later than usual today, where is Rikka?"

"Rikka took off when we got into town and I was looking for her," Marena answered smiling, "I haven't been able to find her yet."

"I see," he said laughing slightly to himself, "Have you tried the Inn, a lot of the stray dogs seem to be going there and waiting for the visitors to come out."

"The Inn, why would they go there?" she asked, "Don't the Innkeepers hate dogs?"

"Yes, they always chase them away, but the dogs always come back around night fall," the man replied.

"I'll check there then," Marena said starting to walk off.

"Child your food," he said putting some spices into the bag as he picked it up.

"Thanks, but I could have paid for them," Marena said taking the bag from him.

"It is alright my dear go on and get your dog," he said smiling as he waved good-bye, "Rikka is wild at heart just like you."

Marena's POV

I walked towards the Inn and the street was empty. I noticed that in front of the Inn were all of the stray dogs in the town. I started to walk slower as I saw the Innkeepers yelling at the dogs. Most of the dogs took off because they didn't like people. The few that stayed ran across the street and sat down eyes fixed on the Inn.

"I don't see her," I said sighing, "She wouldn't run from the Innkeepers like the other dogs."

"Excuse me," said a voice, but I kept on going, "Excuse me, Miss." A bark came from behind me. I know that bark, Rikka. I turned around to see her next to a tall man.

"Is this your dog?" he asked pointing down to her.

"Y…Yes," I replied. That was all I could say his golden yellow eyes reminded me of Rikka's. I was losing myself in them just like I did in hers. I watched him walk towards me his coal black hair moving as he walked. He was wearing a dark blue shirt and brown pants almost like an Indian would. He also had feathers on a chain around his neck. He smiled as he brought her to me.

"I'm sorry, I was going on a walk and she just ran up to me," he said looking from me to her.

"Nair!" a voice called from down the street and he turned around. I looked past him and saw a young girl, no a young Indian girl. Her hands were on her hips and she looked mad.

"I'm coming Inna," he yelled back as he turned back to me and petting Rikka on the head, "Sorry about your dog, bye Rikka."

Nair I guess was his name for the girl he called Inna said it again. Nair took off running down the street and stopped in front of her. Inna turned around and started walking as Nair followed her he looked back with a smile as Rikka whimpered. I looked down at her I couldn't believe she was whimpering. She never did that even when she was hurt and how did he know her name I didn't say it.

"Nair, huh," I said which made Rikka look at me, "It suits him."

Rikka barked in agreement as we started to walk home. She followed behind me looking back once in a while she went. The sky became dark as we made the long trip home. The night air was becoming cooler. Even in the spring you can see you breath I thought to myself. Rikka trotted in front of me for a little while. She would get far ahead of me and stop to wait. As we got closer to the houses I could see the smoke from our fireplace as Rikka started to run barking. She suddenly stopped and turned towards the town as if waiting for something.

"What's wrong?" I asked her as I passed her.

Then a howl came over the land as the wind blew. It was a long one and it seemed to last forever. I turned to look at Rikka and she was yipping in joy and then she howled back. Was she answering the howl I thought to myself? I had never heard her howl I didn't think she knew how to, but there she was howling. She sounded just like a wolf and I smiled.

"Marena!" father's voice came from the house, "Get in here before you get sick and can't cook anymore."

I turned to start walking and Rikka ran past me and into the door. Father looked surprised, but smiled as she lay down by his chair. I walked in and he was petting her. He acted as if he didn't hear her howl.

AN: I hope you liked this chapter. I should have the next one up soon. Please review.

Blaze