Hey Readers! You wanted more, you got more! Here's the next chapter. Guess who she meets?! You'll have to read to find out! If you feel like the chapters aren't really going anywhere, that was because I'm still brainstorming. The ideas come in parts. Before plot begins, I must set up my world. Also, being a creature of the wild, she-wolf (as we will her until a name is revealed) pays special attention to her surroundings, taking in every little thing. For her, it's instinct, and for me (and you), it helps paint a vivid mental picture. But now, the plot quickens. Let the action begin!
~ Kat ~
Chapter 4 – Enthrall
I was roused by a strange sound coming from within the woods. I silently stood, flicking my ears back and forth alertly. It was a mysterious sound, not menacing. It was…beautiful? It sounded like water flowing over rounded stones in a bubbling stream, or fields of flowers rustling in the breeze, or chirping crickets in the summer, perhaps. It slowly faded away, all too soon. I wanted to find the source of the melodious sound; it filled me with wonder. I set off quickly through the trees in search of the sound, throwing caution to the wind.
I wound my way through the forest, searching for the lost sound when, magically, it began again. I set off in a new direction, tracking the sound with fervor. Ahead, I saw an opening in the trees, a small meadow covered in snow, shining in the light of Father Sun. I crept closer; the sound was there, I was sure. Crouching behind a tree, silent as night, I peered into the meadow. I was shocked by the sight before me.
A young human, only a mid-aged pup at most, was moving around the clearing, her paws raised to the sky. She seemed to fly over the snow in quick, steady steps, twirling like the snowflakes that had begun to fall around her. The fur upon her head was long, the color of red-brown leaves in the fall. The sound I had heard was her song, like those my kind sang to Mother Moon. Just by the sound, I knew she was happy. And she was so very young, shorter than even a small doe. I wondered why she was out here, alone, in the cold winter. Where were her mother and father? And the human-pup didn't wear the usual heavy skins two-leggeds wore in the winter. She wore only a light skin, which fanned around her legs like flower petals as she turned.
Forgetting my instincts, which should have told me to run, I wanted to know more. She was…enthralling. I took a step forward, slow, watching the pup the whole way. Step after step, I got closer. She continued the strange ritual, until suddenly her deep brown eyes, the color of the darkest bark, met mine. I froze; what would she do? I could overpower her, that I knew, but I didn't want to hurt her. She was only a pup. Strange human-sounds began to come from her lips, not the sounds she had made before, and yet equally lovely, like the chirping of spring sparrows. I took another step.
She didn't move at all, but kept making the calming sounds. I stuck my nose out in front cautiously, testing her. Her smell hit me in the face at once, though it was far from unpleasant. It was glorious! Like nothing I had ever found, even in the loveliest flowers of early summer. She smelled like summer grass, spring flowers, pine, sun, sparkling streams, berries, cool earth, and fresh snow all at once. I wanted to smell more. I took a step forward, my ears perked.
She seemed to undersand my curiosity and then put her pale white-pink paw out towards me. I froze again. Now sensing my…not fear, I was never afraid…my watchfulness, she pulled in her paw and then, startlingly, she lowered herself to the snow. Her wisdom for a pup so young amazed me. She had so much control over the curious instincts of most pups. In her lowered stance, I felt confident enough to approach again. Another step.
I was close enough that, if she wanted, she could have touched me, and yet she didn't. Slowly, I circled her, breathing in her lovely captivating scent. Careful not to startle me, the human-pup turned her head to meet my eyes. There was nothing menacing in those wonderful eyes; I didn't fear. Her skin was smooth as a motionless lake and pale, almost white, though below her eyes, on either side of her nose, her face was the pink of foxgloves. I stretched my nose towards her, wanting to know more. Amazingly, she didn't move. I was a predator; I could tell she knew that by her slow motion and care. And yet, she did not run. Not only was she wise. This pup was very brave.
Inch by inch, I moved closer to her hair, until finally the tip of my nose touched its softness. So smooth and silky, there was no comparison. Less cautious now, but still gentle, I sniffed her head and fur, still circling. I whiffed and nuzzled her hair slowly, curiously, and a happy sound escaped her mouth. Suddenly, I felt a very strange thing on my side. I turned my head and saw her tiny paw resting just against my white fur, soft and dainty. I felt the urge to move away from the touch, and yet I wanted to move towards it as well. Her hand began to move slowly, back and forth. Living a mostly solitary life, I rarely had companionship. And yet, I liked this. I leaned into her hand, my eyes closing comfort. She stroked my side a bit more, though just as gentle and relaxing.
Before I could control it, a rumble began slowly in my chest. My legs folded underneath me and I lay down in the snow beside the girl-pup. We sat like that for a long time, though the sun was hidden behind endless grey. She smoothed the fur upon my back and neck as well, though considerately avoiding the face. Her voice began again, much to my pup-like delight. She made the same sounds I had heard that first time, the sounds I followed through the forest to this meadow. I never wanted to leave the girl.
Suddenly, a sound broke through her quiet song. My eyes snapped open and I jumped up anxiously, bewildered that I had been caught so vulnerable. My eyes landed on a figure that stood out against the white world. There, before me, teeth raised and hackles bared, was a giant russet wolf. Snarling and spitting, the wolf's endless eyes bore through me, yet I never broke contact. Abruptly, he charged at me and we met in a clash. He wanted the girl-pup! Deep within, I felt a new feeling, that of immense protectiveness. She was only a pup, so defenseless and special. I fought for her life.
Claws and teeth struck, drawing blood from the both of us. And yet, we were evenly matched as we fought for her, neither overpowering the other. Our size and strength equal, neither had an advantage. I heard anxious noises coming from the pup, though she was evidently a safe distance away. For some reason, this seemed to urge on the male wolf. He fought harder, and so did I. I would guard her from this mysterious enemy.
So...what do you think!? Get specific in your reviews; tell me what you want and I will try to incorperate it in my story. You think you know who she-wolf met in this chapter? Who is the little girl? Tell me your ideas (though it's pretty obvious) in your reviews! So, of course...REVIEW PLEASE!!!