Red Hot Gardener

Frustration was painted all over the young wolf's face while she spoke to him, and at first, Ali didn't know what had caused it. Had it been her questions? Was she prying too much? Did he think she was just some condescending adult making conversation with him? An apology had been on her lips—though for what, she was unsure—when the boy began to write on the dirt with an outstretched paw. Aliana tilted her head curiously, but watched as he wrote out a full sentence, reading each word silently to herself as it was inscribed in the earth. Aqua eyes turned up to the amazing iridescent boy as realization dawned on her. He was mute. Aliana blushed and lowered her ears to her head, embarrassment on her face. She hadn't realized! Being confined to Chimera's island didn't afford her many opportunities to interact with the other wolves of Ashen, otherwise she might have known about his condition.

"Well, it certainly appears healthy and growing well," she said, hoping that by not drawing attention to the fact that she hadn't known he couldn't speak, he wouldn't feel embarrassed. She gave him a little shy smile, still in awe that a wolf such as himself could exist! All of the wolves she'd been enslaved with had been so mundane and normal, like herself. Here, everyone looked beautiful and radiant and unique. It made her feel very out of place—ah, but that was why she wasn't a true member of the pack, wasn't it? She was a servant; property to be used and nothing more. "Oh, no need to apologize, My Lord. You didn't scare me. You saved me from hurting myself, and I thank you for your kindness."

Another practiced dip of her head to the noble lad. She didn't know if talking to him as she was was considered rude, given he couldn't speak back, but Ali thought he might appreciate being treated like there was no barrier between them. At least, that's how she imagined she would like to be treated in his shoes. Given she was so far below him in rank, Ali was unsure of what he desired of her. She was but a simple servant, bound to one of his pack mates, and his wish would also be her demand. She could not leave until he dismissed her. Would he ask her to leave now, or keep her around for "conversation" or company?

"Aliana"