the lost lamb

The words that dripped from the woman’s mouth bore into Vaia’s skin like knives- wrenching and forceful, making her outwardly wince. Such a waste… some to come along and save you… Her ears pressed harder against her head, tail tucking tighter against her body. The stranger had it all wrong! Vaia wanted to survive, she wanted to be able to fend for herself. She tried, time and time again, to live on her own and fend for herself. But she was just so… weak. It was hard living in the wild, all alone. Especially without a companion to aid her. “B-But, I-“ Her words were cut off, body tensing and quivering as she felt a paw touch her head. Claws raking against her skin, as the woman started to pet her.

She wanted to defend herself; to try and explain that she was having a string of bad luck, and wasn’t thriving as a lone creature. Part of her wanted to deny the woman’s offer- but Vaia was no fool. She knew it was only a matter of time until hunger and fatigue overcame her. Maybe she could even protect her from the red man. She needed to accept whatever help she could get- even if it brought discomfort, like the woman claimed. Vaia didn’t know what that meant, but she didn’t allow her mind to dwell on it. She needed to accept the offer while it was still available. And so, with her weak, shaky voice, Vaia would say- “T-tell m-me what t-to do.”  A plea, as she waited for Absinth to give her a sense of direction.  

"Vaia"