Sage sat slouched over toward the fire, wiggling clawed, creamy toes towards the heat of the fire and tugging thin fingers through her dark, wavy locks. Golden eyes stared for a long time at the fire, well aware of the silence between them. Her coyote ears flicked back as he rose, clearing her throat softly as he sighed. Does he want me here or not? she wondered, so confused by Pripyat's actions and speech. His words were kind enough, but they were so cold. Warm ambers followed him to the hearth-- they were careful to avoid his gaze, though, and she continued to fidget with her hair, finally tying it back loosely with a thin, knotted strip of leather. She rubbed her hands together to warm them as he settled next to her, and she turned to face him as he began to cut the bird in two.
Pink tongue ran over black lips as she watched him work, the blood spilling onto the brown sack he'd lay down in dark pools, the smell of it filling the air. Instinct still powered Sage's cravings for food, and unlike some of her family, that still included meat, raw or not. Once the bird was split, he sat back and offered her half. "Thank you," she said earnestly, making eye contact this time, if briefly. Smiling tentatively, she scooted forward, leaning down as she dug sharp claws into the meat to rip off chunks. The meat wasn't exactly warm anymore, but it was undeniably tasty. Her empty stomach rolled with anticipation, grateful for the food. It would fill her for now, but on the morrow she was sure to need to hunt again. Nevertheless, she was thankful for the meal, whatever the size. If only the company were better.
Sage looked up as she brought another bite to her mouth, realizing that Pripyat wasn't eating his half. She swallowed the bite, looking away to the fire curiously. When she looked back at him, he was speaking to her. This time, he looked at her with an expression that seemed somehow softer, and offered her more words of encouragement, for once spoken with more gentle voice. Blood-stained lips sat parted for a moment before she blinked away her surprise, nodding her head nervously. "Y-yeah, thanks... I'm feeling at home already," she said, smiling at him. It was the truth, although she certainly wasn't feeling most welcome right here, right now. But she needed a place to sleep, and he had offered, and Sage wasn't shy. She took tore off another hunk of meat and started on it hungrily.
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