Lost and Found
Today, she had managed to stumble upon an intricate set of caves, and immediately chose one at random to explore. After all, it did not matter how she distracted herself, so long as she did. And so the fox padded inside, her little nose raised to check out her surroundings as her small black paws were met with the coolness of stone. It smelled strange in here, of minerals the woman had no experience with. And somewhere, deep inside, her large ears picked up on the sound of trickling water. Perhaps a spring inside? She ventured a bit deeper, pushing her luck in this near darkness. But hey, curiosity killed the cat. No one ever said anything about a fox.
Well, there was only one way to find out who had come into this cavern. However, if he were to get into a fight again, Maria would probably have his head for being to careless as he gave a small chuckle to himself, thinking about the dame explaining how he needed to be more careful. The thought amused him, but also happy since she seemed to be the only friend he had in this land.
The sound of trickling water etched into his ear, almost seeming as if a chorus of water was beating against the stone and playing a song of their own. However, he would sit down and listen, letting the stranger come to him since he was never one to start conversation unless someone were to talk to him first.
Right away, she panicked. Her heart raced like the wingbeat of a hummingbird and she gasped softly, stepping back to catch her breath. "Jesus," she whispered reflexively under her breath. What was she supposed to make of this? Was this brute really going to stand in her way? If he was, she truly had no way of stopping him. Her only chance would be to run and count on her speed and graceful movement.
"I will not harm you unless you attack me first," He would explain, his voice staying monotone as it always had as he turned his head to focus on some of the pools that surrounded the cavern, as well as the stalagmites and stalagtites that surrounded some of the cavern as well. It was truly breathtaking to behold for the ebony brute as he took in the scenery.
Those words came from a deep place within her and therefore came with a bit of venom on her tongue. Slaughtered for sport, like her tribe and family had been. Would it not be the perfect irony for her to escape, and only now, years later, be killed in the exact same way? The cries of pain were still fresh in her head. Would she cry out in the same way if this seemingly docile brute decided to turn hostile against her?
"Por favor, if I had any reasons to attack you, you would know. You, on the other hand, just came into my line of vision and became hostile rather quickly. I do not know if there are any issues you have toward me already, but, you seem to be afraid of me or angry for some reasons I may not know." He would look to some of the water droplets as one even landed on his nose, shaking his cranium slightly in annoyance before turning back to the dame. "Even my own kind has not shown much kindness toward me, for I have seen much bloodshed and even lost some good friends from my old alpha before I went on my own." Shadow closed his eyes, a hint of sadness was noticed in his features when he thought of his friends being killed, especially when they were only pups, especially even the alpha killing his own son when his son was weak; the alpha believing that his son held no use for him and killed him while Shadow was watching.
"My name is Shadow, may I be so bold as to ask your name, Ma'am?" He spoke, a small smile spread across his features, which shocked him since he hardly ever smiled.
She sighed a bit and looked longingly over the silhouette of the man and through the entrance of the cave. She wished to leave some time soon. Far be it from her to insult the brute, as she had already subtly done. Mireya just really did not like to spend time around wolves. It made her feel on edge. But she faked a bit of a smile as the brute in front of her introduced himself. "Mucho gusto," she said a bit flatly, seeing as the man understood the basics of her native language. "My name is Mireya."
"I apologize for my kind doing that to you. I understand it is not easy to cope with, and I can see why you took caution toward me," he would explain, closing his eyes, "Looks like we had that in common. My kind took things we held dear, that much is certain. However, I am not like that. There are a lot of kind wolves here, as well as many other species in these lands that can become good friends to you, you just have to find them," he explained, thinking of the time he had met Maria and how she helped him cope with his past, as well as the wounds that he had sustained in more ways then one.
Mireya supposed that, possibly, he could be right. Not all wolves could be bad. But it would take a lot for her to trust one enough to let it become her good friend, that was for sure. "I guess," she said with a small nod, looking over the man to the entrance again. "Do you think we could step outside? It is so dark in here," she said, standing slowly.
When they stepped out into the world, the sun glistened off of the ebony man's coat. His eyes shimmered almost like a ruby itself as he turned to look back at Mireya. "I hope that things become better for you here on out. I know my words may not mean much, but if you ever need help with anything, I'd be happy to assist you," he spoke, understanding and a hint of kindness was etched into his words as he spoke to her, trying his best to show kindness and that he was not that bad of a man when he wanted to be.
"You're right, I need to move forward," she agreed. "I'm truly sorry for my hostility, but you understand. As little as I am, I have to be wary of bigger, stronger creatures like you." She sighed softly and thought of his words. She did not need his assistance. Not his, specifically. But she did need someone to rely on. Everyone needed someone. You couldn't make it far in this world alone. "Thank you," she said, to let Shadow know she had heard and considered his offer. But for now she thought she had better remain alone. Hold out for the possibility that she might meet another of her kind in this land.