The Beginning

Chapter Ⅲ Eirwen

I sighed as the man ran off again. He shocked me when he appeared so suddenly and he looked so scared. At first I thought it was that I was petting a fox or that I had just surprised him, but I think it was more than that. He was staring at me with those eyes filled with horror. I walked slowly back to Orion. He was still where I had left him. He neighed as I came closer, likely noticing my mood. I rested my forehead against his. My thoughts were a whirlwind, all revolving around the male. Out of the mist of thoughts came one gem of an idea. I sighed as the plan formed in my head. Looking Orion in the eye I told him that I was not going to like this, but.

"I have to at least see him again. Get him to talk to me. Maybe help him with what scared him."

I went looking around the forest looking for some food that I thought would be good to eat. I found lots of dark blue berries that seemed to be edible. I bypassed the black and red berries, not knowing if they were safe for consumption. Eventually I felt satisfied that I had gathered enough berries and nuts. Now, I thought, I just need to find a way to bring them with me. Looking around the clearing I found some large leaves that would suit my need perfectly and gathered a few. When I turned back I found the little fox from earlier sitting by my pile. I approached slowly in case he got spooked and ran off. Holding out my hand, palm up, I called him softly and just like before he happily trotted up to me. I laughed as I rubbed his ears.

"If only your friend was a little like you." I mumbled. The fox cocked his head to the side and headed for the edge of the clearing where he waited.

"Do you want me to follow?" I asked, picking up the nuts and berries. He barked his agreement. I turned and looked at Orion. He looked at me then the fox and walked in the direction the fox took.

"Alright then." I said following close behind Orion.

⥳⧪⥴

The walk was beautiful. Everything was so alive and everywhere I looked I saw a different forest. Eventually we came to a small glade with a magnificent tree standing in the middle. At the foot of the tree was the man with a clowder of cats around him. He looked better than before and was laughing at the antics of the three kittens in front of him. It was a fleeting glance however because as soon as we entered the glade he looked up and the happiness and color drained from his face. I took a few steps toward him and he jumped up and started backing away. Before he could bolt I held my hand up and showed him the makeshift bag I carried. He stilled. I slowly walked forward and he stayed put. I spread out the food for him and backed away.He came forward slowly and cautiously sat down, glancing at me before throwing a few of the berries away. I made a move toward them, but the man quickly stood and shook his head violently.

"What's wrong?" I asked, taking a few small steps toward him. He looked conflicted before he answered.

"Bad berries. Don't eat those."

His voice was extremely gravelly with disuse. He was also exceedingly thin, but he didn't eat as though he was starved, if anything he looked like he was full after eating a few berries. His hair was a dull red with flashes of brown and orange. I didn't realize that I had been staring until his hazel eyes looked across at mine. Tentatively he stretched out his hand. To my surprise it was full of nuts and berries. I pointed to myself and he nodded. Slowly, I reached over with my hand up and he dumped the contents into my hand.

"Good berries." he said when he saw my dubious glance.

"Thank you, litla kanína." I said quietly. Taking one of the berries, I put it to my lips. It tasted so bitter. I could feel my face pucker up. I heard a quiet laugh. Looking quickly towards the man I saw he was laughing at my little fox guide and a cat, not at me. He quietly picked up the cat and meowed at it. It took a few rounds of meowing back and forth before I realized they were communicating to one another. I was awed. Father told stories of those who were able to speak to animals. They went extinct many generations ago. I scuttled backwards quickly, too quickly as the man came after me. Suddenly on top of me, he started choking me. The last thing I saw before I blacked out, was the frenzy and fear in his eyes.