Sang the Stray (Completed)

4. Discovered

A few days ago, I was a exploring a creek that branched from the river upstream about 1/4 mile from the village. I found what appears to be this world's version of blueberries! There were several bushes bursting with the fruit. Truly, I didn't expect the day to get better, but as I sat upon a large rock along the creekside watching some tiny fish swim against the current and gorging myself with the berries, a pair of otters scampered down the opposite bank and slid into the water. I froze not wanting to frighten them away. I watched for around twenty minutes as they played and swam, then slunk away carefully. I hoped I'd see them again sometime.

Returning to the village, the eerie sensation that I was being watched again settled in. I also noticed that the bird song and chirping of insects was missing. I knew enough about walking in the woods back home to be wary now for some predator. I quickened my pace. Suddenly, the silence was rent by a fierce cry of "unghhh!" I sprinted the rest of the way to Camp Sang, eyes darting all around to see what had made that earsplitting sound, imagination going wild at what a large beast it must have been. As I dive under my poncho and other bedding, the cry sounded out again, but this time it was...mournful? I also thought it had an almost whale song quality. So strange, but still so terrifying. I huddled there in the corner hoping that the beast didn't track by smell. My scent was all over the village and surrounding area from the two weeks or so I'd spent here. Perhaps that would confuse it and I wouldn't end up eaten. I calmed as the beast's cries seemed fade and the usual sounds of nature returned. Still, I remained abed, my nerves overwrought and drifted to sleep even before the first sun set.

I blinked my eyes open and thought I was still dreaming. Light shown through the window backlighting two figures standing before me. I jerked up to sitting when the one on the right moved out from blocking the window and I realized they were people! My eyes darted all over them, my mouth agape. They looked human, very human. Two arms, two legs, smoothly combed brown hair on a head with a face... with mouth, nose and....two steel grey eyes scrutinized me, capturing my attention. All I could think about was perfect. His mouth moved and though I didn't understand the words, I could have wept. The joy was washed quickly away with fear as my mother's voice echoed in my head. I must have crouched back away and they realized my alarm because the second person, also male, brought up his hands in front. His voice was softer, more coaxing, seeming to relate that they meant no harm. I would remain wary, but the sandy blonde curls that carelessly framed his cherubic countenance and bright green eyes, so much like my own, disarmed me enough. Steel eyes spoke again, clearly asking a question from the lilt at the end, but I still didn't recognize any of what was being said. He shook his head and they looked at each other, silently communicating.

For several long moments they just stared at each other. I took this chance to take in more details. They were both dressed in a form fitting black suit that covered from neck down seamlessly, even the boots were part of this outfit. Though I noticed it had a rubberized, armor appearance. I tensed again, but that eased when I didn't see them carrying any apparent weapons. Both males were not overly bulky or much taller than myself from what I could judge from my perspective, but they were clearly fit. My cheeks tinted when I realized the silent conversation had ended and that intense steel gaze had caught my staring at defined chest muscles. A sculpted brow lifted and I had the passing idea that he should be wearing glasses. Such a strange thought. Cherub-face smirked, his eyes twinkling. A decision was made and Steel-eyes jerked his chiseled chin at me then turned to leave down the stairs. I then noticed the grey four grey chevron stripes on the outside of the sleeves just above the elbow. My attention turned to Cherub-face whose outstretched hand beckoned me up. I saw the four purple stripes on his sleeves. I wondered what it meant. The armored outfit indicated that maybe these were soldiers of some sort. Perhaps the color indicated rank? Cherub-face continued to smile and urged me to follow with a placating tone and gestures. We might not share a language but some things were universal, he made signs like drink and pointed to the water pot I'd collected. I wasn't sure if he was asking to take a drink or if I needed a drink, but I nodded anyway and helped myself. I must look terrible in my dirt stained clothes and tangled mess of hair. He pointed down the stairs and gestured for me to follow, so with apprehension I grabbed up my pack, starting to slide my journal into the bag when a hand stayed my movement. My heart leapt, pounding out a staccato rhythm. I was not used to being touched. We barely looked at each other in my family, there was no casual affection, certainly no hugs. Ignoring my tension he gave a tug on the journal and a questioning look. I assumed correctly he wanted to look through the book. I slowly handed it over and he carefully opened to some page in the middle. At first he looked confused as he perused the pages, flipping some back and forth. Then an appreciative, smile broke, though it was clear he still didn't understand what was written. His curious, amazed face made me giggle and his eyes shot to mine, his smile spreading further. He pointed first to me then back down to the journal and made a writing movement, lifting his brows in question. I nodded, indicating that yes, I had written the journal. His smile remained then he reached back to my pack and gently pulled it from me, placing the journal in with my other things. I moved to take the bag back but he shook his head and shooed me toward the exit.