Thunder Dome twai

To say it surprised her that this creature was oblivious about this color she wore wasn't quite right; Edith did not expect the confusing mixture of emotions to surface when he spoke, and as he looked upon her, and upon it. Of course, it made sense that someone born in Wotan's Country would have no need for marks, or seek a handler, or be driven to the same purpose as those she knew. It made sense because — look at him! This man, this giant. What guidance did he need? What purpose did he thrive to fulfill? He existed, blessed in the feral ways of the Wyrd.

The more she thought of it — hastily, mind you — the more Edith was reminded of her aunts and uncles, and their fervent telling of stories. She did not consider herself as fanatical, yet the thoughts flooded her all the same.

Edith's head raises slightly, thinking of the responsibility of her bloodline. Feeling that brace upon her neck. To be good, she recited at first, and as prideful as she felt, her voice was almost childish for that breath. A strengthening spine and straightened shoulders gave her a more solid silhouette, a moment later. And cunning, and hale of heart as well as quick of mind.

Was she doing her duty now? What would her family think of her, here, instead of at her handler's side — and suddenly enough, the Red felt too tight, and the patch which read IN-TRAINING burned against her neck, but she would not move to scratch it. She knew it was only her guilt.

We are taught what would otherwise be forgotten. What you — your people of the forest, know, and are born knowing. These were simple tenets and yet, when spoken aloud, did not have the same weight as when she had learned them back home. It felt strange to speak of them at all — to a stranger, no less, but to one of Wotan's?

A tremble creeps down her sloped haunches.

I — I came here, from very far away. From a place which isn't so green. I wanted to learn. She watched him, wondering above all else if this made any sense, or held any impact at all. Was she offending him? How little she must seem in his eye; those golden, feral eyes.