Duskfire Glacier the pines, the beasts, the frost

lousine didn't typically startle easily, but the half-inaudible voice creeping up behind her made her yelp. she backed up, teeth exposed and tail snaked between her legs, until she could see what — no, who — had been there.

it was just a woman.

lousine straightened herself out, slinking forward to reach a healthier distance from her. it took her this long to realize she had said something to her too.

oh, the trees, yes, she nodded. i love them. even in winter.

i'm lousine, she outstretched a paw and touched the girl's shoulder. sorry for kind of yelling, but you scared me a little.