seven ways to sunday

He peered in a moment longer, his body frozen in a delicate stance like that of a deer poised to bolt. Nothing moved in those few seconds, save for the breeze and Nagendra’s fur, which danced as the wind wove playfully through it. The air seemed to sweep inside the mouth of the cave, whistling quietly before returning – having scooped out the dusty dirt smell to offer Nagendra a whiff. He liked the smells of caves. They smelled like isolation. Like peace and quiet, and age and wisdom.

In the next instant, the slight breeze seemed to dissolve and fall away, and he was left with total stillness once more. Then out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone approaching. He turned his slender head to watch curiously, blinking, his expression neutral. It was a white and gray wolf, perhaps a bit shorter than himself. He did not move as she drew nearer, and then paused to shyly greet him. It appeared he might have company. A smile blossomed on his previously empty face. ”Hello there,” he returned, his voice warm. His vivid jade eyes lingered upon her for a moment longer before looking back towards the cave entrance. ”Familiar with this… lair?” he asked, intent on keeping the woman’s company for at least a short conversation; it had been a good few days since he’d met anyone, and this stranger’s presence was a welcome one.