Beauty and The Beasts: Rain

40. Caravan

2nd of 3 updates today, May 17th.

     Harvey and Brice secured their food and belongings in leather bags. Snow had visited and gave her opinions and advice. The bags were designed by Snow after Rain expressed displeasure at the one's she had attempted to make herself. Rain was not ascetically inclined, but Snow excelled in that area. Snow insisted on helping and Rain let her. She could tell her sister was bored and humored her.

     Snow didn't do much other than delegate and supervise, but she did contribute when it came to designing the bags and organizing the items. Snow chatted frequently with Rain and Third. She also spoke with Brice and Harvey on a few occasions.

     Rain felt a bit strange watching her sister interact with her family. Snow used to be shy and soft-spoken when they were young. She now appeared very comfortable and was a natural at conversation. Her sister had changed, but then again, so had she.

     Rain wouldn't have accepted help before and would have tried to do everything alone. She would never have allowed a hawk near her after what happened with her first mate. She accepted that she wasn't going to be the strongest. She didn't have to aim for her father's level of strength. It was enough for her to keep growing at the pace she wanted to.

    While preparing to to set off, the spider male stood watching them. Snow's males growled and Rain rolled her eyes. Snow did not like the spider male one bit and Rain didn't blame her. She opened her mouth to speak, but the male shifted first and waited.

     Rain realized he was asking permission to enter her territory and she nodded in approval. The male approached and stared at Rain and Snow. His eyes moved between the two, but eventually settled on Rain.

     "Come," the male said. Rain's eyes widened and it took a moment to collect herself. She wasn't the only one who was caught off guard by the spider's sudden and broken speech.

     "You... You are going to follow us?" Rain hoped not, but figured the possibility was always there. The male nodded and Rain hissed.

     "It's not our choice to bring you or not. You are not a part of my family. You did not receive permission to come." Rain waited and hoped the male understood.

     "Come." Rain sighed at the spider's response.

     "Listen, you have to get Winston's okay before you can come. I'm not going to insist on it." He nodded at her words.

     Rain wondered how far his speech has come and asked, "Are you able to hold conversations now?" He shook his head and Rain sighed. "Can you say your name at least?" She didn't care much. If she said 'spider' everyone would know who she was referring to.

     "Ezra." His name was new sounding to himself and he liked it. He thought a long time on what his name should be and was mildly pleased with his choice.

     Rain watched as the male's eyes shown with something other than interest. This spider was especially difficult to read. Harvey who was packing nearby added, "Ezra, it's good that you are speaking now. It will be easier to ask to join the caravan."

     Ezra nodded his head and Rain swore he looked almost eager. Hopefully this male won't get her into trouble. Rain wanted to be sure he understood that they were not aiding him. "Ezra, we have spent a week preparing our own necessities. Should Winston accept your participation, you will be responsible for providing for yourself." He nodded. "Also, know that the reason we are going is to protect the caravan. The bear king. whom you met before, is in charge and we are expected to follow his orders. Can you do that?"