Cricket Creek Bog Searching

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She sat in peace, her children for once not applying their powerful limbs to her tender parts. The crickets, or Molech, had calmed them and perhaps they slumbered. She inhaled deeply, noting that the chill of winter was hidden just behind the fresh autumn scent. It would not be long before the cold months came, and with it she would bring new life. An end to much, but a beginning for her and the Malkaria. Many young would come during the winter it seemed. There were many more to hunt for them, though, many to keep them fed. She did not fear the cold.

It did not occur to her that she was taking solace, pleasure even, in the songs of the dying crickets. Her mind was not turned so darkly, the cup was half-full. A change in the song off to one side drew her eyes, ears flicking to catch the sounds, or rather the silence. She caught sight of a distant figure. They too seemed to be enjoying listening, even as the crickets around them went silent for fear. She lift her head, watching the other for a moment, before calling softly to them. The nearest insects went quiet for a brief second as her voice moved across the land, but soon resumed the song once the threat was past.

"Hello, silent stranger. Are you enjoying the song, as well?" Her voice is slightly raspy but still feminine, with an edge of weariness in it that she has not been able to sleep away in recent weeks. It is not for lack of happiness though, simply from the strain of growing new life. She makes no move to rise, doesn't want to disturb the peace her young have. So instead she watches and listens for the other, wondering if they will approach her or speak at a distance.