A Great, Wide World of Wonder

Aurielle’s head tipped in thought, but she caught the slight loosening of Loshir’s muscles as the cat accepted the mute reassurance that Amos wasn’t going to cause trouble for his shimmering charge, and nodded. “Probably, yes.”

She listened with that intent gaze as he agreed about not everyone being nice, asking in her turn, “Have you met someone like that?” She seemed to soak up what he said like a sponge, taking it all in and storing it in her mind to review further later on. Part of it was her father’s subtler training. Be observant, listen closely.

She enjoyed learning the subtle nuances of communication, and watching her parents and cousin interact was always fascinating. She’d picked up on Amos’ tone when he’d spoken of those that would gladly ruin the world for others, and delighted in that sign that she was learning.

It was clear his suggestion made an impact on the girl, as well, some of the underlying anxiety smoothing away into those childhood features to be replaced with a soft, laugh-panting grin baring those canines of hers with a gleam. “I think you’re right. I’ve got two years.”

Then her head tilted slightly, studying him with that intelligent stare before she asked in what could have been thought a coy manner if she’d been older, “What have you done where you were nervous?”

His shift to flop on the ground brought a tiny smile to her features as she agreed, “It is. My great grandmother was the one who made it home. She was the Lead Healer of the pack Valhalla, and the best in the land in her time. Her name was Erani. She birthed my grandmother in the same alcove I was born in. Da wasn’t born in it, though… A bad pack had taken over here when he was born. But my uncles and aunts from her next two litters were born there! And then Aramis and myself.”

In all the stories her father told her, he was careful to tell them honestly, exactly as his grandmother and mother had told them, and so he recounted them to her knowing that she would never have a truly overly inflated view of her heritage. What childish, innocent views she had now would eventually fade with experience.

So, she stated the history of her den with easy confidence. And yet managed to leave out enough to pique interest. “The cave’s hidden at the end of a long ravine that’s grown over on top of the walls with vines. And some of the caves have openings in the ceilings. I had a rock fall on my head exploring one of them.”

She fell silent, listening to his description of being alone with a silent, contemplative look on her features. “Have you ever thought of joining a pack someday? You wouldn’t be alone, then…” Those gradated eyes studied him thoughtfully, head tipped to the side.

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think