Gained and lost

Oh? Not here in the forest then... He led her away from the forest, back to the Col, and then into the market. A sly grin creased her golden maw as he brought her to the center of the market, the others parting around him like the sea. She had practiced here in the market just this morning, was that- Her thoughts were immediately broken by his kiss, which made her heart skip. Here? Out here? Right in the middle of-! Oh! he was throwing her off! What a sand flea! She was startled, to say the least, and she quickly looked around. Paraded was certainly a theme.

He ordered her to sit. She narrowed her eyes at him for a moment and then took a deep breath. She placed her hindquarters on the ground, sweeping her tail close to her hip and heel. She at least knew what he meant now by emptying her mind. Meditate, don't be distracted, and pull herself into the flow. React to nothing around her, no matter how tempting... She brought her mind to the space she had made for it, a place where she could push away the distractions around her.

The sounds dropped away, and the hustle and bustle began to ebb and flow in a disconnected fog she felt no attachment to. Her body relaxed, and her facial expression melted into a serene calm. A voice threatened to break through the muffled voices, loud and clear. A voice... of fascinating promises... But she had a command from Her Warlord, react to nothing, follow his word above all.

Her breath slowed further, and the fur around her shoulders smoothed even as the seller drew closer. She silently and inwardly acknowledged their promises, and if it was true then she could figure it out, then she let the idea of the seller go, clearing her mind of the distraction.

"Ignita"