Sweet Talk

Absinth's emerald eyes gleamed with satisfaction at Araxina's enthusiastic response. Her daughter's eagerness and determination were exactly what she wanted to see. “That's my girl.” She murmured, her voice a blend of pride and amusement. She observed with a smirk as her daughter bounced alongside her, the excitement radiating from the young girl quite palpable. Absinth had always known that Araxina had a fire in her, but depending on how she applied it… it would either be her greatest strength or her biggest flaw.

As they moved through the snow, Absinth's senses were attuned to their surroundings, her posture relaxed but ready. She could feel the anticipation building within her daughter, mirrored by the intensity in her own veins. The sight of the massive white bear towering above them as it scratched its back against the tree only fueled her excitement. But then, Absinth's eyes narrowed as she noticed Araxina slinking forward, not waiting for her lead. The wild grin on her daughter's face was telling. Absinth quickly and silently moved to intercept, placing a firm paw on Araxina's shoulder to halt her progress.

“Patience, Xina,” She hissed quietly, her voice a sharp whisper. “Do you see how big it is? It will not play like your siblings do, it will not stop just because you cry about being hurt by it. It will kill you if given the chance.” She nodded towards the bear, her gaze intense. “Follow my lead. Attack when I do, quickly, then jump back out of its striking range. Rinse and repeat.”

She released her grip, watching Araxina's eyes. This was a critical moment, a test not just of strength but of discipline and unity. They would face this challenge as one, and Araxina would emerge stronger for it. With a final nod to her daughter, Absinth turned her attention back to the bear, her muscles tensing in preparation. The hunt was on. Her tail lashed out behind her, ears flattening as her lips pulled back in a deadly snarl. The bear was surprised to say the least, immediately falling forward off the tree and onto all fours as it huffed and scanned the wolves before it, taking note of the small child with a thunderous roar of its own.

And then, Absinth surged sideways, darting one way, then swiftly changing direction at the last moment just as a swing of a giant paw came for her. Her limbs sprung, a leap at the bear’s ribcage where she sunk her teeth in and tore into the softer flesh there.


wormwood