Daring

Walk | Talk | Think

The boy's rosy pink eyes were fixed upward upon the large cat's expression, looking upward into her focused gaze in a vain attempt to see what his chances were of surviving his run in with her. Unfortunately for him, she was more or less unreadable, just a teeny suggestion of what might have been pity or confusion. Eirik was too young to know for sure, and the uncertainty caused him to shudder again and draw away from her outstretched paw in the hopes that she had not noticed. Where are you, Dad? he begged to the universe at large, willing the strongest wolf he knew to rescue him. Even having to listen to a huge lecture from both of his parents, even dealing with whatever punishment they could think to dish out for him running off on his own, would have been better than this.

When at last she spoke, her tone had changed, no longer threatening or gruff but strangely kind. Eirik shifted his weight around on his paws where he stood, still closely watching the woman who held him captive and scared that this new play at niceness was nothing more than a ruse. How could he trust her? She had pinned him and threatened him within the first few moments of their meeting, and as much as he hated to admit it, even in thought, he was not strong enough or big enough to take her. And yet again, through the niceness, the subtle hint remained, still leaving the poor grey youth confused and scared and completely at a loss. She did have a point - she could have easily done away with him at any point thus far - but how was he to know she would not yet do so?

The great cat moved - Eirik flinched - but nothing bad happened. Slowly, almost as if conscious an considerate of the effect she was starting to have on the child, she seated herself in place, coiling that long, powerful tail of hers all the way around herself and then across her forepaw. Eirik watched it closely, as if it might suddenly grow a mouth and sharp teeth and snap at him, which made him jump again when he felt the paw against his side shift to draw away from him and join the other thee before the large feline. Freedom! The poor boy could not help himself; immediately he backed away a few steps though still remained facing the leopard. Something about running sounded like a bad idea, even if it was the first thing that came to mind. He wanted to be strong and brave. He was not allowed to run, but neither could he think of a thing to say, afraid that anything he might try would just ruin this momentary freedom he had gained and fearful of losing it so fast.