Hey Readers! I'm so glad you all liked the previous chapters! So many people added this story to their favorites list, and I love you all for it! So...here's another chapter! I love this scene because our friend the she-wolf is so adorably curious and wonder-filled! Don't forget to tell me: Paul, Jacob, or someone else? By the way, if you like this story, I have a couple of one-shots you might like. Read them and tell me what you think!
~ Kat ~
Chapter 3 – Curious
The land was warmer than the Northern forest. And yet, snow still fell in vast amounts, covering the earth in its blanket. Smoke still rose from the towns upon the man-caves. Few of those two-legged creatures left their homes, hibernating like all manner of other creatures.
My routine hardly changed. The hunt was my purpose in these parts. Wolves in the region were a bit sparse, so there would be little danger of an encounter.
I was walking through a white forest, much like those of my northern home. The pines towered straight and sharp to the sky. Miscellaneous prints wound across the snowy ground, the only sign of life. I strode through the wood until I smelt something strange. It smelled like water, but not the same. It did not smell dangerous, only curious, so I let my instincts guide me to the source. I passed through the trees for a long while, finally reaching the forest's end. The trees parted and I found myself on a cliff, looking over the strangest sight I had ever seen.
Water, shinning in the rising sunlight diluted by the overcast sky, stretched endlessly in front of me. Never had I seen water with no border. The lakes of my home were large, yes, but you could see the other side. Mesmerized, I stared into the distance, entranced by the shimmering expanse of water.
Returning from my trance, I found a steep path down the cliff towards the shores of the Great Water. The shore below was open; it made me vulnerable, but I desperately wanted to see the water closer. I took my chances and crept towards the water. Unlike the silent unmoving surface of the lakes, save the jumping fish, this water was alive, leaping up in places, foaming and swirling. Along its edge, it moved back and forth in a steady rhythm, reaching towards me and then pulling back, never quite touching me as I jumped back in bewilderment.
Why did the water move? I wondered, feeling like a curious pup all over again. There was no wind; snow was only just starting to fall from the grey sky. Sensing no danger, I stepped closer cautiously, the water just reaching the tips of my paws. My thick fur kept me warm against the winter water. I leaned down slowly, sticking only my tongue into the water, wondering what I would find. I leapt back, surprised by the strange taste. It was water, of that I was certain. But it also tasted like…blood? Not the same, there was no blood here, but I could tell the two liquids had something in common, something within them that made them taste similar. It was the taste that made you thirsty after a hunt, drying your mouth. This water was beautiful and majestic, but not for drinking.
I turned and walked to the forest that hid the other side of the shore, so I might take refuge from the coming snow and sleep awhile. Reaching the safety of cover, I dug a hole into the snow, settled myself down in nature's blanket, and let weariness take its hold.
Aww, she's so cute! By the way, sorry if the chapters are short (thanks for letting me know, MS-lullaby). I'll try to write them longer and they probably will be as the plot picks up. Nonetheless, the short chapters mean I can update more often, so it's win-lose, I guess. Alrighty, so if you want more, you know the rule! REVIEW! I trust you will, O wonderful Readers! It makes me smile!