Whitefish River So We Meet Again

:Eshe

On their own accord, Malila's growing hackles began to lift. She had never smelled danger before, but there was a first time for everything. This fresh, pungent scent hit all the wrong buttons, stirring in her the most basic of instincts. Hieronymous was there to guide her, watching over the vulnerable child like a sentinel, to make sure she didn't slip up. By his side she felt his larger body stiffen, almost coiling around her protectively. His command was met with a silent nod, dark tipped ears air planing to her skull. That playful glint in her eyes was gone.

She swung her head left and right. Scanned way out in front, and far behind. She was looking for something, but what exactly, she had no idea. Something not wolf, nor prey. Like all children, she mimicked the adults. Shrinking down some, she glanced up at Hieronymous while he let out a call for anyone nearby. In preparing to do the same, to let them know she was out and not in the den, Malila was completely un-prepared for what happened next.

Those last seconds were a blur as a tawny form with tufted, pointy ears and massive paws leapt out from the undergrowth. It moved with a grace and ease that no wolf could ever hope to match, and the gleam of its brandished claws sent a shiver up her spine. The flower child let out a petrified squeak. So boogeymen were real after all! Frantic, she backed herself further into the Constable, who threw himself in between her and their assailant. But Malila was young and inexperienced. Adrenaline pumping through her blood, guided by the desperate need to flee, she panicked and took off, running out of the safety zone Hieronymous had provided.