As she watched the butterfly flutter away, carried by the soft breeze flowing through the willows, she couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. Inside of her mind, she wondered what journey the creature would make in its short life, and if it would find happiness in the simplicity of the world. It may have been an insect, but to Vaia, it was a living creature whose life was worth just as much as her own… One with hopes, dreams, and a purpose. At the thought, she wished it a silent farewell, which was followed by a soft sigh.
She had been so entranced by the butterfly, and so naive to her surroundings, that she hadn’t noticed the male until his voice was booming behind her. She nearly leaped out of her skin, paws shuffling beneath her as she crouched against the earth, ears pinning against her head. Her reaction was quite animalistic in nature, only it resembled the traits of prey, not a predator. "O-Oh, um,” She started to say, eyes frantically searching for him. And when she saw his massive crimson frame moving towards her, her tail tucked close to her body, pressing against her right thigh. “I was just saying hello to, um….” She started explaining, as if she owed him an explanation. “… the butterfly.” She looked up at him through thick, white lashes, brows furrowing upon her face. “I-Isn't this place beautiful?” She asked, trying to keep her composure the best she could. But everything inside of her told her to submit and obey in the presence of a man much larger than her. Because it was easier that way.
"Speech"
