Saving the Wolf (On Hold)

Chapter 3

**Hey sorry i'm not very good at updating, but i should be better from now on! I'll try to get the next chapter up as soon as i possibly can.  i have finals coming up so we'll see!**

Shadow pulled his coat close as he and Moxy made their way through town.  It had started snowing lightly a few hours before and was now sticking on the ground.  He couldn't believe his mom was right, it had been perfectly clear and sunny that morning!

Finally they reached the lodge with the big wooden sign that read "The Hearth" hanging from the second story and slipped through the door before they could let the warm air out.

Inside, the main room was lit by a huge fireplace burning proudly in the back, hence the name of the lodge.  As he scanned the room, he saw many people seated eating stew or bread and drinking hot cider.  It was a comfy place where everyone came to meet and just relax while someone told stories or dance when the music started up. 

Speaking of stories, Shadow searched the room for a new face.  Finally his gaze fell upon an old, very small woman seated in a comfy chair a good bit from the fireplace. 

She had long grey hair that was in woven into two braids and a very tan and weathered complexion.  She wore a very simple blue dress that matched her very dark but piercing eyes and she wore some colorful beads about her neck.  She had an overall unamazing appearance, but the air around her seemed to buzz with excitement and mystery. 

They quickly moved over to some chairs facing her by the fire as she stood up and raised her hands to get everyone's attention.

  "Thankyou so much for your hospitality thus far, you live in a wonderful town with many great people."  She looked over everyone and continued in her musical voice, "My name is Nanita, and I am indeed a storyteller.  I come from far away, outside of your beautiful kingdom of Lee, and through my travels I have acquired many spectacular tales of which I would like to share with you throughout this winter season, if you'll permit me. They are tales you have not heard so do not worry about becoming bored." 

Everyone chuckled and she went on.  "Tonight I would like to start with a story that you all will enjoy, one about the legendary humans." 

There was a wave of murmurs and she waved her hands to quiet the crowd down.  During the murmurs, Moxy leaned over to Shadow and whispered, "You were absolutely right, this will be very promising.  She's starting on thin ice for sure."

Their attention was drawn back to Nanita as she reasoned with the room.  "I know humans are not a comfortable subject for you, seeing as the legends have been whispered from the darkest corners of the kingdom.  Just remember that these are tales and you need not fear for they take place far from here, beyond even your maps."  Finally the crowd settled down and gave nods and smiles of consent for her to start. 

Slowly and carefully, Nanita sat back down in her comfy chair and grabbed a mug of cider.  She drank some then set it back down, looking around the room until she made eye contact with Shadow.  She seemed to smile knowingly at him then started her tale.....