Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC and the alterations in the storyline plot her presence provides for the amusement of various readers everywhere.

Wolf Princess Chapter 16

Firenze eventually noticed where my gaze was directed at and he guessed what was lingering in my mind.

"You have no need to fear, Numa," said Firenze, reassuringly. "Your love for them is strong as is theirs for you. You're family will find some way to see you."

Nodding, I said "I know. Firenze?"

"Yes, Numa," he said.

"I…," said, hesitating. "I was wondering that since you've been living among the humans for so long if you can warn me what I should expect."

After I had spoken there was a few moments of silence as Firenze tried to think of the right words to answer my request. Firenze thought very hard before he answered me.

"I want you to listen closely and carefully to what I'm about to tell you," said Firenze, slow and serious. "In the forest you held friendship, respect, and love of many occupants that live in it without any problems arising at all. Here things will be far different. Here there are many who will ridicule, humiliate, and look down upon you once they learn who you are and your past. They will call you a savage and many other terrible names that they can conjure up. That's because of where, who, and how you have lived your entire life."

Firenze stared hard into my face, saying "You must never let their hurtful statements get to you. No matter how much they try to provoke you or how angry you get never lose your temper. Doing so will turn you into even more of an outcast in their eyes and society. You'll be vulnerable and make even more of a target on your back to some of them."

"I see," I said, understandingly and unsure. "Got any advise for me, My Friend?"

Pleased I'm not fooling around, Firenze said "I'm aware this is probably going to be hard to do, but I want you to try and keep a low profile. Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. The less of it you get the less chance you get of being singled out by any of them. Stay out of their way."

"All right. I'll try," I promised.

Moving close to place a hand on my shoulder, Firenze said "And another thing I ask that you make an attempt to bond with new friends in the year that is to come. They will be a great help to you in what is to be a test."

"I'll do my best," I said.

Patting my shoulder in satisfaction, Firenze said "That's all I ask." He then craned his head upwards in order to check the suns position. "It's getting late. The evening meal is going to be served soon. We should begin heading back."

"You go on," I said. "I think I'll stay out here a bit longer."

"Are you sure," asked Firenze, concerned. "You just arrived here. Will you be able to locate the Great Hall on your own?"

Waving away his worry, I said "There's no need to worry about be, Firenze. You know very well that I'm good with directions. I won't get lost."

Shrugging, Firenze said "All right. If you're sure."

"I'm sure," I said, smiling and grateful that he's taken all this time to look out for her like he's always done before he came here.

"Very well. I'll see you at dinner," grants Firenze, wheeling around and heading back to the castle.

In the meantime I remain where I was just gazing out at the wondrous scenery beheld in front of me. I didn't know how much longer I was standing there until my stomach growled. I realize that I haven't eaten a thing all day. The excitement must've made me forget about it. I am going to have to correct that.

"Time to do some hunting," I murmured.

Since I was now separated from the pack I no longer am required to catch something so big. Just enough to fill my stomach until I need nourishment again.

With all this in mind I hung the small bag of belongings over my should so that it wouldn't be able to get in my way. I then held the bow and arrows at the ready setting off on the grounds to scour for dinner.

I'll tell you what 'cause I'm certainly in the mood for something like rabbit or pheasant. Haven't had a couple of those for some time.

Authors Note:

Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

I'm glad to have finally gotten back to this after such a long absence compared to some others on my profile. I've been meaning to for a while and only now I've managed to find time and inspiration for it. Still in the beginning stages, but I'm very satisfied and happy about it.

I recently put up a new story called Fish Out Of Water. It's a crossover between the movie Shape of Water and the show Siren. So far I have everything figured out except one little thing. A name for my OC. Basically, since my OC character is in fact a mermaid I want the name to be in reference to the oceans or any other body of water similar to lakes or rivers. I'm more than open to suggestions so like I usually do in situations like this I'm turning it into a contest. The reader who gives me the winning name gets a question answered about the plot of the changed storyline in question. So think long and hard guys on the name and the type of question you'd like me to answer. Because you only get the one until the next opportunity arises for the taking. ;D