Steadily, Tzila inched her way north. Closer and closer towards the coast. As much as a part of her was eager for this hopeful transition, another part was apprehensive. She loved the forests, the meadows and even the mountains. The un-yielding, solid earth beneath her paws. She worried that she would miss it too much, these places. Places like this sprawling grassland with its golden weaves stretching for what could be an eternity.
Sighing quietly through her nose, if Tzila had fingers, she would have crossed them. Hoping that when she did finally arrive at what may well be a future home, that there would be opportunity for her to still roam. She craved this change - she knew she needed it. But just as much, her inner rebel, who refused to be tied down and leashed, needed her freedom. The proposition was unrealistic, almost dream-like, but it was a hope she held fast to.
Having opted to branch away from her friend Astaroth temporarily, she set out alone through the raw, damp weather in search of a meal to tide her over. Nothing big. A rabbit would do, or even an early Spring fawn of an elk or deer. Tiny beads of water clung to her guard hairs like crystals, streaking down her muzzle in miniscule rivers, while nearly matching eyes picked through the golden plains for any sign of prey. The fleck of ruddy fur amid the gold was a near match, be it for numerous potential targets. Interested, but unaware as of yet, due to her distance that he was not prey, Tzila came sauntering in for a closer look. Only when his shape cleared, distinguishing itself into a plainly wolf like physique, did she turn to veer away silently, tail flicking in disinterest.
The constant downpour of what he could only call mist did nothing to soothe his anxieties. He'd rather have rain — why couldn't the weather commit to something instead of being annoying ambivalent?
Something came trotting towards him. He paused, his eyes turning to the shape that began to materialize in the gloom. Once it sharpened into a canine-like form, the creature lurched away. He snorted in dull amusement. Not what you were looking for?
he said, muffled through his clenched teeth.
She paused mid step, turning to spare the man a glance after he had addressed her. Tzila showed as much interest in him as before, fully prepared to move on in her own endeavors. Fixing him with a cool gaze, a trace of dry humor barely reached her features. "Hm, not quite."
The continuous drizzle was little more than an annoyance this time of year. Come the warmer months, with her dark fur, she would welcome the relief such rains would bring. But a little sprinkling from the skies was hardly enough to keep the lone wanderer cooped up. She had survived through much worse. "I was more so hoping to find some prey out here instead." She smirked, adding. "And you don't exactly qualify."
The creature in the mist revealed itself. A woman, dark of color. He stilled for a moment, thinking it was his wraith come to meet him, but he settled when he saw the red on her ruff and back, and the color of her eyes. I would hope not!
He laughed. The stone swung back and forth in its receptacle with his chortles. Apologies for being disappointing.