castle ruins

El’s companion seems an agreeable sort, made only clearer as she introduces herself with a friendly smile. she assumes the role of leadership easily enough, but there’s nothing bossy or commanding about the girl, and for that El is appreciative. it isn’t always easy to admit to oneself that they require help, and any consequential arrogance would only worsen the Klein girl’s mood. “good idea,” El praises, nodding along to Jay’s plan. it seems relatively fool-proof, providing the birds don’t catch wind of their scent too early and try to escape. as Jay begins to circle their quarry, El wracks her brain for the hunting directions Chi had given her - even though thinking of her father sends a stab of fresh pain through her. head low, feet soft, ears pricked. keep your eyes open and your mouth shut. don’t let anything give you away, and prepare yourself for the chase. El sets her jaw determinedly, creeping through the undergrowth until she’s found the perfect position. then it’s just a matter of waiting, and thankfully Jay doesn’t take long to signal her. nodding back, El breaks into a run just as Jay does, both girls bearing down on their feathered quarry. a startled scream rings through the night, silenced abruptly when Jay bites down on the neck of their chosen bird. grinning, El leaps onto the closest turkey and flattens it with her weight, leering down with bared teeth. the turkey struggles kicks out with clawed feet, but El dodges it easily, and the bird is defenceless as she sinks her teeth into its feathered flesh. blood bathes her tongue, drool gathering as she sinks deeper. flesh and sinew tear, satisfyingly fragile beneath her jaws, and for the first time Ashen’s demise Elara feels…powerful. commanding. she is the orchestrator of this measly thing, the one with the power to cut its strings. glancing over at Jay, El basks in the excitement of their victory.

WC: 324
Total: 1520