Chimera Fields only then i'll have peace

the wind carried the scent of frost and pine as Kalyska padded through the snow-laden hills of Forneskja. the icy ground crunched beneath her paws, and the bite of winter clawed at her fur, but she pressed on, her sharp hazel eyes scanning the frozen terrain for any sign of life.  

she knew the odds were slim—winter buried most plants under thick blankets of snow—but still, she searched. the pack had welcomed her for now but Kalyska had yet to connect with the others. she needed to prove her worth, to show them she could be an asset and not a burden.  

her gaze landed on a small cluster of dried stalks poking through the frost near the base of an old cedar tree. she approached carefully, lowering her nose to sniff the brittle remnants. it wasn’t much, but it was yarrow, hardy even in the harshest seasons. a spark of satisfaction flickered in her chest as she pawed at the base, unearthing the roots.  

Not much, she murmured to the still air, her breath misting as she worked. But still help. the herbs were for wounds—useful in a pack where hunters and fighters faced the dangers of the wild daily she told herself.

she paused, lifting her head to glance back toward the distant mountains, where the heart of the pack’s territory lay. Forneskja was nothing like her birthplace, but there was strength here, warmth she hadn’t felt in so long. yet, a small part of her still ached with the weight of her past, with the question that lingered in her mind since the day her pack was lost.  

Why leave me? she whispered to the gods, her voice low and raw. Why spare me?

the wind offered no answer, only the cold touch of its embrace. but as Kalyska gathered the herbs in her mouth and turned toward her new home, she found that the silence didn’t hurt as much anymore.

Who would leave you? Oh! Horrible. The man answered as if he had been part of the conversation, aware at the same time that she had not been speaking to him or to anyone - maybe to herself, or to a memory, but certainly not him.

Heck, she probably hadn't even noticed him yet. If she had, no doubt the blonde beauty would be smitten! Here he was, Marius Calixtus, ready and willing to purge a woman's loneliness one night at a time!

Was he stalking her? No! A little sneaking, maybe. Alas, it could not be helped.

He shook some of the meadowgreen from his coat and, at once brandishing a charming smile, gave a little nod of his head in her direction. Did I spook you? I was just passing through and — well, you're just lovely. Care for some company?

He asks this as if she has a choice in the matter.

Kalyska’s hazel eyes flicked toward him, the faintest quirk of a brow betraying her mild surprise at his sudden appearance. spooked? hardly. her gaze lingered on him for a moment, taking in his overly charming smile and the meadowgreen clinging stubbornly to his coat.  

nameless gods. she said matter if factly, as she had come to question her belief of a past time. 

pass through, you were? she replied evenly, her voice carrying a soft lilt of skepticism, taking the first opportunityto detract from delving into her more personalturmoil. her head tilted slightly, as if she were studying him.  

her tail swished lazily behind her, not out of irritation but as if dismissing the idea of fear altogether. harmless he seemed to her, offering words that would melt other girls she had known. she gave a slight shrug, her gaze shifting briefly to the horizon before returning to him.  

company always welcome when no malice her tone calm, though there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. carry much confidence, though. no room for anything more. she added with a slight tease.

Ah, so she was a vicar! Except in his own experience (which was inalienable and the only true experience) only men held such a role. This further presented the Wilds as a roguish and backwards place, but Marius did not dislike this. He had gone far from his father's holdings to take such differences to heart.

She was friendly enough. Not falling over herself for him, which was a touch depressing, but not driving him away either. The woman also appeared able to speak coherently, which was a point in her favor (not that Marius desired a woman with a wagging tongue -- there were other uses).

Malice? Hardly! My lady I saw you from further afield, but my intent is not to seek ill-favor upon you. He smiled again to her, hoping something might stick. You can imagine how lonely the road is. How badly I've wished for a companion! It is so fortunate that the gods might place you in my path.
He wasn't a spiritual man, although he knew of the gods of his parents and his people, and felt only a little sour when bringing any mention to religion.

Kalyska’s ears twitched at his words, a flicker of bemusement crossing her face as she studied him. he spoke with such fervor, as though the gods themselves had placed her here for his benefit. her head tilted slightly, curiosity sparking in her hazel eyes.  

quite the tongue she said lightly, her tone neither harsh nor welcoming, but balanced somewhere between intrigue and caution. though confusion... longing for companionship. seems to me road is what we make of it, whether filled with others or walked alone.

she shifted her weight, her gaze steady on him now. but if gods brought you to me, as say you, perhaps consider what they have intended. wilds have a sense of humor, after all.

her lips curved faintly—not a smile, but a flicker of something close to it. so, what is you truly after, traveler? surely not simple idle company.