Haunted Wood Finding beauty in the dissonance

astara was not filled (yet) with the same bloodwhetted cunning as merrick, but she prowled on just the same. she would make a monster yet, but her awakening would be a slow dawn, for there was much still for the shade to learn.

she was aware as merrick padded ahead that they were not alone -- but where this shadow lingered, she knew not. her ears turned in constant flux, her fur on end -- and then a voice sounded from behind them and the figure of an impossibly enormous beast materialized. astara whirled around in scarcely composed alarm, standing defiantly before him -- but no sound pressed forth from her tightened jaw.  if he was violent, she would soon find out.. but for now she was ready herself, prepared to lunge at the leviathan if he turned aggressive.