Gratitude Bestows Reverence

There was a sound of someone approaching. Amber eyes flickered away from the fish towards the source. The interruption was unexpected, but she did not bristle at it. Instead, her gaze shifted calmly to the figure approaching. His dark coat was a stark contrast to the bone trees. She took in the looming form of the wolf. For a moment, she observed him in silence. There was no sense of menace; her instincts did not scream danger, and so she would not expect it.

There was tension across his face as he walked over. It took a moment, but he had noticed her presence. Adelinda offered him a warm smile. What she did sense was heaviness, but what was burdening him? His smile did not quite reach his eyes. The witch listened patiently as he spoke, his voice rumbling an apology she did not deserve. Was it sorrow? No, that wasn't quite it. Sorrow was her friend, one she did not see on this man's face.

Frustration?

Whatever it was, it was not her job to pry nor know. Only to offer assistance. Even if small, whatever forces had led her here. Even if it was to just show this man a way to ease his mind, she would be glad to help someone in need.

"There is no need to apologize. You are welcome here as I am. From what I can tell, this is no one's land. Too ancient this place is." Her own smile was gentle, inviting, and without judgment, "I'm sure we are not the only troubled souls to find refuge here."

Adelinda rose to her feet, her movement as fluid as the water in front of her. She stepped closed, "It seems the weight of the world is pressing hard upon you," she said softly, her voice carrying like a calming melody, "Expectations, invisible lines drawn in the sand by others. Family. Duty. They can make even the strongest feel trapped."

Her tail softly swirled in a circle as she thought. She took a deep breath and exhaled, clearing her mind. To communicate clearly.

"Whatever it is that is troubling you, my friend, it does not belong here. Come," she patted the floor next to her with her prehensile tail, "Perhaps I can assist you? Let us take a break from the world together. Let us remember what truly matters. Nature itself. The cycles of life and death are what rule. Not the expectations forced upon us. Not the laws of the land nor the ingenuine formalities and pleasantries expected of us."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in. Her goal was not to talk his ear off. She just wanted to help, so she would cut her speech short, "My name is Adelinda. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name? As long as you are comfortable sharing." She would lower herself back down on her haunches.

"You caught me at the perfect time. Meditation has always helped me in clearing the fog. It reminds me that I am but one part of a vast intricate web. I take peace in knowing how small and insignificant of a role I play. Would you care to join me?"

Her head tilted to the left, and her eyes softened even more as she offered,"Here we can sit in the quiet and focus on the world behind us. The beauty that surrounds us. I do not mind guiding you should you need it." Her long tail curled slightly behind her, a silent gesture of invitation.

"You are welcome here. Your thoughts do not need to be a burden you carry alone."

And with that, she fell silent, offering him a space to speak, decline, or simply sit in the solace of nature with her.

"speech"