Ella's Wild Beasts

CHAPTER 7

Back inside the relative "safety" of her shelter, she calmed down as she peeked and saw the fox return to digging instead of pursuing her. Ella released her breath as she turned her attention to the bundle. Multiple large leafs seemed to be folded over something so she began to peel them back. She was very startled by the situation as a whole but seeing a large fish and some berries in the bundle she had a thought. Either there was someone else around and wasn't revealing themselves while commanding the fox, or even more frightening the fox was intelligent.

   This wasn't a show of just any intelligence. To bring a variety of carefully wrapped foods, which was extreme considering it didn't have hands. Then there was also the behavior displayed by it so far. It hadn't hurt her and in fact started to show concern and consideration towards her. By its size alone she had deemed it far from normal so it was a possibility. Ella had already tossed around the idea of transmigration, so the idea of things being different than how she knew them wasnt entirely impossible, was it?

   Seeking some form of confirmation she peeked out of her nest again. As she looked around she was startled she didn't see the fox, a small amount of primal fear setting in as she lost the location of a large predator. Then she saw some dirt fling into the air where the fox had been digging and then saw the swish of its tail. Baffled she stared at how big the hole must be and how fast it was being dug. Why was it so determined to dig such a hole? Then a thought struck her, foxes  had burrows right? She never really looked into animals and their behaviors but she was sure they used them in some capacity.

   Shaking her head to help clear her head she remembered her goal. Liking her dry lips she spoke. "Fox?" Immediately all activities ceased and a dirty head popped out of the hole looking at her intensly. Pulling herself out of fear repeating in her head if he wanted to hurt you he would have. So she continued, "Fox, thank you for the food. I am a bit afraid of you and your size." At that the foxes ears went down and it let out a small series of whines. It understands. It is intelligent. Stopping the mild panic by reasoning she knew there were many animals considered intelligent at home.

   Ella continued. "Our first meeting was terrifying." More whines "You seem sorry, and you didn't hurt me so I'll try not to be so afraid." Ears perked back up. "I am going to the pool to drink. If you could not snarl or growl that would be nice. Also avoid getting to close, you're very intimidating." The fox nodded. Wait... THE FOX NODDED?! That was all Ella needed. She now knew it could understand her. It was very intelligent, and most importantly didn't seem to want to hurt her at all. With a sigh of relief she looked at the fox again and gave a small smile. "Thank you Fox." With that the fox gave a dog like grin and went back to digging with renewed vigor.