enjoy the silence

The crimson glow of the sky painted the willows in hues of flame and blood. Their drooping branches swayed gently with the evening breeze. Adelinda crouched by the tepid waters, her dark form blending in with the shadows of the tree above her.

The water rippled around as she dipped her forepaws into the currents. Slowly, she brushed her fur with quick swipes of her tongue. Smoothing the grey overcoat. Each action was full of honor for her body. She was not just cleansing her body, but her spirit. Preparing it for the unknown mysteries tomorrow may bring.

Her tail swayed lazily as it also dipped into the water. Nearby a small burlap sack lay nestled against the roots of the willow tree closest to her. Its contents were all her belongings: bones bleached by the sun, tiny teeth, tufts of fur tied with bits of twin, and a well-worn deck of tarot cards. Her most treasured possessions.

Adelinda paused her grooming and raised her gaze to stare at the sky. It told of horrors, of death, sorrow, and unexpected change. What was going on in this land? It seemed she had arrived in time. Was she needed? Or was she just another string in the web of Boreas.

Drawing the sack closer with a practiced sweep of her tail, Adelinda opened it carefully, one by one she laid the bones on the damp earth. Arranging them in a way that only she understood. She decided to full engulf her body once they were arranged. Closing her eyes and focusing on the bones, her breath was even and slow.

Tonight she would sleep beneath the shelter of these trees. But first, she would divine what the world had to say. The pattern whispered to her, and Adelinda listened, as she always did.

"SPEECH"