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The more he talked, the more words she learned. It was worth finding him just for that. He seemed such a storybook character - intelligent, strong and kind. But then there were those scars, and the hollow sound she occasionally picked up in his voice, tallying with the small amount he'd told her of his life: it seemed bad luck stalked everybody and did not avoid the undeserving. She had deserved everything bad that had happened to her, though. All her luck had been good: it was she who messed things up.
"How come? You said you liked it there, didn'tcha?" she asked, head tilting quizzically. Had things gone wrong for him - dared she hope such a thing, when her foolish selfish hopes had already landed her in such trouble. But if he left, he would need a new home and why, perhaps he would come her way. Perhaps things were working out perfectly after all. It was a stupid hope, she knew. She barely knew him. But it would be nice to have another friend to distract her from her own stupid self. He was always so caring - always bringing the conversation round to her. Seemed he'd noticed she wasn't feeling so chipper this time. "Sure, I'm fine," she murmured, placing the emphasis on the fine. She didn't even deserve to feel pain after what she'd done. And she didn't want to get worked up like a puppy in front of this mature and sophisticated wolf. No more moping, she told herself firmly. It was easy to feel more cheerful when he broke out that dashing smile and offered a little gentle flattery. Far more than she would have dared hope for. It was a double-edged hope: the simple desire to be admired, and the more complex hope that her wish had been granted in a beneficent manner after all. "Well, well, Mr Qi'Vaex!" she exclaimed, her luxurious tail swaying delightedly, and she came forward a little, drawing herself up so they were nose-to-nose. "I only meant that I came for that hunting lesson you promised..." Her smile was devilish. "But please do keep being honest, it's terribly... intriguing." Yes, that was the word he'd used. Her eyes were shining. She found she rather liked being intriguing herself.
Image courtesy of Ant Jackson@Flickr; Table by the Mentors!
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