throwing yourself into work might not be the healthiest way to deal with your problems - some might even call it avoidance - but at least it’s productive. this morning finds Spider once again traversing the red forest, steps light as they cut a careful path through the trees. in these moments, as they narrow in on a scurry of squirrels, their mind goes blissfully blank and their world shrinks down to the movements required for a clean kill. and given the nature of their life at the moment, that in itself is a blessing.

"Speech"

Absinth moved through the winter forest with an air of quiet and observation. The bare trees stood silently, an occasional thud – their branches heavy with snow falling to the ground. Her mostly ivory fur was a perfect camouflage in this stark, cold landscape. Save for her face and tail, she was doing well, on the hunt for something of substantial sustenance to keep her going with the hoard of pups she was nursing. The forest was a familiar place to her, a canvas for her playful mischief as well as a stage for her wanderings.

She reveled in the crisp air, her breath misting before her as she navigated through the maze of snow-laden trees. The soft crunch of snow under her paws was a sound she relished, her sleek figure moving with free reign; not caution to avoid tiny bodies strewn about the den floor.

As she wandered deeper, her sharp eyes caught a flash of movement in the distance. Curiosity piqued, she slunk closer, her movements graceful and silent. There, stalking in the snow, was a small wolf she had never seen before.

A sly smile curved Absinth's lips. She enjoyed watching others learn and struggle, but she also had a penchant now for offering guidance in her own, somewhat mischievous way. She circled around silently, positioning herself to observe without being immediately noticed.

wormwood

Spider doesn’t notice the woman at first, too focused on the prospect of a successful hunt that the fae goes largely undetected for several minutes. the squirrels chitter amongst themselves, bottlebrush tails flicking up clumps of snow as they scramble through the underbrush. Spider licks their lips, daring another step closer with their belly low to the ground. their dark colouring means they tend to stick out in winter, stark against the pale world, and they take extra care to avoid flat, open spaces. as they slink forward, however, a twig snaps underfoot - alerting their prey. Spider hisses in frustration as the squirrels freeze, heads snapping up to scan the forest. Spider remains as still as possible, scarcely daring to breathe.

naturally, this is when they notice the stranger; Spider nearly jumps out of their fur as they meet the woman’s bright green gaze, their own eyes widening in surprise. thankfully, the squirrels return to their foraging, and Spider relaxes some of the tension from their body. but now that they’re not in immeadiate danger of losing their prey, an embarrassed flush works it’s way up their neck at across their cheeks. this woman, skilled enough to have approached without making a sound, has witnessed their mistake.

"Speech"

Absinth watched with amusement as the young wolf stalked their prey. The intensity in their eyes and those careful movements spoke of determination, but the snap of a twig shattered the tranquility of the hunt. Absinth's bright green gaze met their wide-eyed surprise, and she could see the flush of embarrassment creeping up in the young wolf's expression. They had a funny looking set of second eyes there, but it didn’t seem to be some crazy ass new mutation to put on her list of weird shit she’s seen.

With a very soft chuckle, Absinth stepped closer, her movements fluid and unhurried. It was then she recognized the scent of the Armada, and her thoughts instantly flashed to Wylan and Oleander. This wolf was around their age, she was sure they would know each other... It
was easy to be around those kids, especially when they absorbed knowledge like sponges. “Shh. You're not the first to make such a mistake, and you certainly won't be the last.” She said, her voice carrying low and whispered, even slightly teasing. “But if you want to avoid those mistakes, you'll need to be more aware of your surroundings.” She glanced at the squirrels, who had resumed their foraging, and then back at the dark yearling. “Your prey hasn't noticed us yet. You still have a chance.” Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she continued, “Watch how I move, and try to follow, hmm?”

Absinth lowered herself to the ground, her body moving with the grace of a seasoned hunter. Each step was deliberate and silent, her paws avoiding the telltale crunch of snow and the snapping of twigs. She circled around the nameless teen, positioning herself to give them a clear view of her technique.

“Slow, controlled movements.” She whispered, her voice barely audible, but it was the whole point that they could hear her voice over her steps. She paused, waiting for her impromptu student to mimic her actions.


wormwood

Spider watches reproachfully as the woman moves closer, half braced for a taunt or chastisement. thankfully, they needn’t have been worried. the heir relaxes at their companion’s calm, soothing voice, instantly draw in. she has a good voice for teaching; something about it just makes them want to shut up and listen. they watch in dutiful silence as she drops to the forest floor, moving with a grace so innate they can’t quell a burst of envy. in these moments, she’s more than a hunter - she seems like a part of the forest itself.

it’s so impressive they’re almost too nervous to attempt it themselves. still, Spider assumes the same position and aims to emulate her steps, mentally repeating her instructions in their mind. slow…controlled… it’s difficult at first; so much of their original strategy involves moving instinctively, acting on impulse. to slow down and actually pay attention to their movements…it takes a patience they’re not sure they possess. they want to try, though. they want to get better. and maybe…they want this woman to be proud of them, too. “like this?” Spider inquires, a tad shyly, as they creep through the snow. slow, controlled.


"Speech"

Absinth watched the wolf’s efforts with a discerning eye, her expression sharp with interest. She saw the blend of anxiety and eagerness in their movements, a sentiment she often found amusing, but she maintained her cool, calm composure. Her green eyes gleamed with a mischievous light as she spoke.

“Exactly like that.” She whispered, her voice carrying a hint of approval laced with teasing. “It can sound like a load of bull, but you must feel the rhythm of the forest. When to stop, when to go, when the forest is loud and when it is silent. When your prey raises its head, and when it returns to foraging. Those are your signals.” Her tone was encouraging, yet there was an edge that dared them to keep up.

She moved alongside the small wolf, her presence a steadying influence yet filled with an underlying challenge. Absinth's steps were deliberate, her body low and fluid, each muscle moving with precision. She glanced back at them, noting the slight tremor of nervousness in their limbs. “Don't worry about making mistakes.” She added, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “It's the willingness to learn and improve that sets you apart from quitters.”

wormwood

the woman moves alongside them, perfectly executing that graceful, effortless stalk. it’s helpful to have her close, and Spider lines themselves up with and falls into cautious step, glancing back every so often to ensure they’re mimicking her exactly. the way she speaks of the forest, of it’s rhythm, strikes a chord somewhere within them. if they think of it like that, the breeze and the trees as conductors of some silent melody, it soothes some of the agitation in their mind.

Spider’s face warms beneath the woman’s praise, both pleased and embarrassed. they want her easy confidence, her well-honed skill. they covet it. their mind shifts back to the Armada’s friendly raid against the Syndicate, and wonder for a moment if every member is like this woman. stars help them all if they are. they only need to look into her eyes for a second to know it: she’s a reckoning. “thank you,” Spider murmurs, almost a whisper. their eyes are bright and wide with gratitude. “um…i’m Spider.”

they wait a heartbeat for the woman’s response, but a flash of movement quickly catches their attention. the squirrels are still gathered by the tree, gnawing on seeds. Spider slants a mischievous little smile at their companion. “fancy putting my new knowledge to use?” they offer, tentative.

"Speech"

Absinth moved in sync with Spider, her steps silent and precise. She observed Spider's attempts with a critical yet approving eye, noting their determination and effort. The young wolf's reaction to her guidance, the way they absorbed her words about the forest's rhythm, pleased her.

A subtle smile tugged at the corner of Absinth's lips as she sensed Spider's mix of pleasure and embarrassment. Their admiration for her skill was clear, and she could see the spark of ambition in their eyes. It reminded her of her own relentless pursuit of mastery.

Her gaze softened slightly as she met Spider's bright, grateful eyes. “Spider, is it?” She replied, her voice low and smooth. “It's a good name. Fitting for someone learning to weave through the forest's web.”

The sudden movement near the tree caught her attention as well, and she followed Spider's gaze to the squirrels. Spider's mischievous smile was infectious, and Absinth's grin widened. “Let's see what you've learned.” She said, her tone both encouraging and challenging. “Show me.”


wormwood