Devil you know

When the boy offers his name, Meadow dips her head in greeting, offering him a smile. The words that come bounding out of her are met with answers and she listens intently to each response. Mojito. What a kind wolf. So far, he has not run away and that gives the older wolf some hope that she hasn’t ruined everything.

It is when he talks about his horns that Meadow feels great empathy for him. She cannot imagine the pain the poor boy must have felt as they grew and she nods sympathetically, eyes full of compassion for him. As Mojito ducks his head at the mention of his ears, she finds herself chuckling softly at the way he stammers his thanks.

The sheepishness takes hold and she ducks away, ashamed of the way she has bombarded the poor young wolf. But then, she hears his kind words, calling her pretty pretty. Her eyes find him again and she stands from her semi crouched position. A bright smile appears and a soft, gentle laugh escapes. It is not mean or condescending in any way, instead filled with joy and levity.

In that moment, she knows he is truly a compassionate wolf. She speaks again, this time slower and trying really hard not to overwhelm him, “Thank you Mojito. That is extremely kind of you to say.” The brilliant smile once more materializing on her face as she continues on, “I am really sorry that I startled you and for flooding you with questions. I was wandering near here and found the water. I was going to jump in but heard you splashing around. I had to see who was having so much fun. When I found you, well it was infectious, the spirit to play. So, I jumped in.”

Pausing to allow him time to take in her words, she adds, “I really hope I haven’t ruined everything. My mouth sometimes runs away from me. Well… to be fair… more times than not. And I… just wanted to go swimming.” Another laugh fills the air and Meadow’s eyes sparkle with mirth. Tail wags in the water, spraying droplets in every direction as her front paws start moving, making small circles in the water. It is an action she is unaware of but it calms the nervous energy that is building in her.

With yet another smile she says, “Again, thank you Mojito. Water just… has too strong a pull on me. My mother use to say I should have been born a fish because I love water so much.” With a chuckle, she again dives under the water, this time moving in a little circle while blowing bubbles out of her mouth. When she reappears with her fur soaked, Meadow laughs merrily at the joy that has taken a firm hold of her heart. Today is shaping up to be a great day.



"Speech!"

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