Shadewood a setting sun, or rolling waves at sea

Maiira stopped her musings and also stopped walking when she thought she heard something. She could not be sure, however. One paw remained in the air, suspended, as if she were about to take a step. Her large ears swiveled on her head like satellites, trying to pinpoint whatever the noise had been. It had sounded like wind… or perhaps a ghost. Maiira grinned at such a thought. Ghosts were a common occurrence in her life. They did not frighten her. “Is there a ghost here?” she asked, continuing to grin. Her head remained stationary, though her ears continued to swivel and her eyes looked all around.

Perhaps this was what the Mother wanted of her, yes? To commune with the dead before the coming of the Equinox, which was very soon. Autumn was a time for the dead and the living to mingle. It would not surprise Maiira that a ghost was trying to speak to her. Or it could be nothing. Or it could be another like her, wandering these woods. It was so difficult to tell sometimes. Not wanting to frighten whatever may or may not have been there, she said, “Maiira is a friend. She will not harm you. Speak to her, if you wish.” Then she waited.