were all just scars in the making
Word Count → 324
A host of distractions had interrupted Vesper from the crest of the mountains to the warm pools in Inferni. Finally, however, she managed to orient her mind and force herself to do something more or less productive. Once she had managed to drag herself away from the grotto springs, she made the brisk walk toward a hollowed-out tree in the eastern forest and grabbed the gift she had stored there, remaining only long enough to snatch the cousin of the rabbit she’d eaten that morning. From there, she traveled back northwest across the territory.
The going was slow, her speed hindered by her two-legged form—a necessity to grip the large antler she carried. The dead rabbit hung from her jaws, impairing her sense of smell with its musty aroma and flavor; she would have been salivating if she hadn’t already eaten. It was still frustrating, however, but she refused to drop anything or take a break in her journey.
Relief flooded her once she reached the outskirts of the Great Village. The dilapidated houses and snow-covered road had once seemed strange to her, but she could see it as something more than just waste leftover from humankind. It was being reclaimed by nature, after all; grass would sprout up through the pavement in the spring as the vegetation swallowed the collapsed houses. All that remained to bother her was the smell of horses and sheep, but she ignored the domesticated herbivores as she padded toward the old schoolhouse.
The coywolf opened her mouth once she reached the door, letting the rabbit fall down and drape across the antler gripped awkwardly in her hands. Unable to knock or whatever else luperci custom demanded, she let up a short cry to let the other woman know that she was there—hoping that the Praetorian wasn’t off doing her job. She felt sheepish enough without standing cluelessly outside the building for the rest of the day.
Vesper Optime by Nat; table code from the Mentors!
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