Straw in the Wind

Ao and her gaggle of siblings had been in the south for a while, the swamps had become her home. She knew every root system and water way, her tiny lithe frame could move through the mists with ease. Her star like pelt glowed in the dark evening, but the way she moved in and out of the trees made her look like late season lightning bugs. While they mostly lived next to the river, none of the pups had paws that would stay still. Aoede often explored the surrounding lands.

They were closer to 9 months old than 6, just about out of their puppy stage and emerging into their adult forms. Ao still sported large paws and innocent features, but compared to her larger siblings the girl more resembled an adult. As she slipped through the swamp she heard a call from Ayla, her fox. The young vulpine had been with her nearly as long as her brothers and sisters and they worked together as one. But the call let her know that her sister was close by.

The girl moved through the dark forest, her ears swiveling at the sound of an owl in the trees as her slim frame emerged in the clearing Ulmaria lingered. "All alone, sister?” She asked softly as she sidled up to her bigger sibling. As always her expression was rather vague, but her affection could still be perceived.

"Aoede Regni"