wanderlust

Redrum stood among the willows, his jaw twitching with each cautious sniff of the air. The faint scent of something new filling his nostrils. His long ears flicked back and forth, catching the rustle of willow branches and the distant calls of hidden creatures. Each step was carefully calculated as he skirted the willows, the ground beneath his paws damp but familiar. Pausing, he steadied his breathing, allowing the muted forest sounds to envelop him. The trees created a veil of shadows, concealing the black hound until they passed into his line of sight now.

Redrum's gaze followed them, a predatory intensity in his golden eyes. He prowled forward, his movements deliberate and controlled, despite the spasms that occasionally rippled through his limbs. He intended to remain hidden for a moment as he made a wide circle around the stranger, watching their every step, evaluating their intentions.

Finally, he stepped into view, his head low and his posture tense. “Hell-o.” He said, his voice halting and uneven. “Willows- nice.” His words were slow, each one carefully chosen as he fought to control his speech. He studied the stranger closely, this odd looking dog that looked like they had a purpose for being here, so close to his home. Trust was a rare commodity in these lands, and Redrum's instincts told him to be cautious, sometimes that meant he didn’t come off quite so friendly.