Blood Orange

The brook's cool drink felt refreshing as did the cold snap in the air. Autumn was an electric season. However, it's unparalleled beauty masked the merciless winter to follow. It was easy for one to forget about the coming hardships amidst the changing colors... though to Tuwawi, nothing would be harder than having to endure the loss of her children one by one. No winter could trump that.

Quiet and serene, the slow babble of the creek was interrupted by an unfamiliar baritone voice. The ember's vermilion crown raised as she watched an alabaster male emerge from a copse of stone, the last few drips of water running down her chin. She remained perched on her side of the bank, but bright silver eyes and forward ears revealed her curiosity. 

"Hello," Tuwawi replied with an upbeat tone as her tail swished affably. "Passing through as well?" she asked. Perhaps if she engaged him the man would move closer so she could get a better look.