Sleepy Fox Hollow my tarnished coat of arms

zulema retracted backwards, feeling like she'd almost collapsed in on herself. her lip quivered, ready to reveal a poorly prepared and inexperienced row of teeth. she steadied her step now, remaining her low posture. cursing herself, she wondered if it was her own inventions of conflict that had brought her here. she had peace! her mother! it was naivety and anger that guarded the acceptance that her siblings might as well be resting in the ground just like leona.

"don't worry- mister," zulema spat, hoping her impudence hid the shake in her voice. "i wont be staying."

she shook her coat out with that, hoping to straighten out the prickled fur along her spine. standing fully, she looked him up and down. it wasn't that she was sizing him up, but she'd always liked to remember strangers clear in her mind should she see them again.

"you must like being on your lonesome." her voice eased into a normal tone, but still bordered fairly on hostile.