Hush

Hush: The Lonely Girl

I blinked, I had been inanimate during the entire meeting, not through fear but because observing was much easier in a state of what seemed like a deep meditation, only the focus was not inward but rather it was external and hyper focused on those around me. These beings that had us surrounded, had a warming glow that was both welcoming and guarded, as though they had never truly felt fear, or had to struggle with anything that they came in contact with. The Shygurn exuded a quiet confidence that was visible in the way they stood tall and proud, and yet, when I blinked many of them gasped, taking a step back in shock. I turned my head to Fenn and tilted my head at him, seeing him at this tilted angle I could see he was different from the rest. Somehow, he had managed to block all of his thoughts and intentions from the rest of his kin and through his sheer willpower, he was showing them what could only be described as a mask. What the other Shygurn were seeing, was not the real version of him, what they could hear in his thoughts where they shared a hive mind, was not his true thoughts. In breaking through this hazy dark barrier he had put up, I could see what really was within his tainted mind. A cold and restless darkness not much different from Jack's own aura, bounced like a ball contained within him desperate to break free. A bolt of fear rippled through me at such a thought. Unsure myself of what exactly a Shygurn could do, to think one containing such dark power could suddenly falter and let it all out in one devastating burst, it was unimaginable the impact it would have.

'It moves.' A red winged female gasped and pointed at me, 'I saw it move.'

'And blink.' A male added in surprise. 'The toy is alive.' He shouted incredulously among the crowd who set their curious gazes upon me, but made no move toward us. I felt myself shudder as my nerves got the better of me, my body responding and trying to change me into my angry bear mode. But like Fenn, I kept myself under control.

'The bear is the boy's companion.' Nygn offered, stepping forward defensively, as though shielding us from the too curious tribe.

'Come now dragon,' Fenn mused, 'you stand there guarding the sprog as though we would like to eat him.' A small hum of laughter rang out among the winged beings. 'This is not our way.'

'In any case,' Arla added lightly clasping her hands together with a grin, 'if you need our shelter for the time being, it would do us well to get along, hmm?' Her voice was light and as she spoke a serenity flooded over the tribe, I watched as their eyes grew less inquisitive and more accommodating. A child who sat alongside two wolves, her eyes two different colours looked at Jack with nothing but sadness.

Her, I realized. Something inside me needed to speak to her, and upon seeing her, I felt a gentle magnetic pull from within me desperately trying to take me to her. I sent a quick thought to Jack, visualizing the girl as I did.

Offer me to her, I need to speak to that child.

Jack stiffened, obviously surprised to hear me in his mind, he recomposed himself and finding the girl he smiled then looked back to the leaders.

'I will give my bear to that child.' He pointed to her, and instantly her eyes lit in delight, one a vibrant aqua marine, the other a gentle lilac, behind her two small white wings fluttered momentarily as though she couldn't contain her excitement.

'Her?' An unseen woman scoffed from within the crowd. 'Why that little brat?' She stepped forward, and offered her hand, 'allow me?' She put her hands together and bowed slightly at Jack.

'Nina!' Fenn shouted. 'Banaka!' His gaze furious, the female shrunk back in silence, apology in her eyes directed to her leader.

'Banaka?' Jack asked.

'It means be quiet.' Nygn offered helpfully. 'They have their own language here.' He looked over to the chosen girl and then to Arla who nodded in response, stepping aside. 'Go ahead Jack.' Nygn encouraged.