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It didn't take me long to locate the cub I've come to see, especially when I hear her yelling about a bird. I venture closer slowly, peering through the thicket at the three year old. She's glaring daggers at an owl who refuses to be scared and I find it quite amusing. I need this, especially with my life the way it is right now. Don't get me wrong, things could be a lot worse. I have my mate, the love of my life, and I have a disturbingly stubborn imprint. I have my children to be proud of and friends to comfort me. I should be happy and yet I feel so wounded sometimes that it's hard to get up and move on every day. I miss how simple things used to be, back when Kiska and I danced around our true feelings and Natalya and I were playing in the field like yearlings and our children were blossoming all around us. Back before emotion got in the way and forced everyone apart. I watch, brows furrowed in further humor as Micteca leaps to her paws a few times, trying to startle the bird, yells continuing to stream from her mouth. She growls and rages, everything short of jumping on the bird to maul it. Instead she chooses to torture it with words and it goes right on ignoring her. When I finally speak, she jumps and turns around, embarassment flooding her innocent features as she looks at me with wide eyes. I smile and nod my head in acknowledgement of her fumbled explanation, chuckling a bit before I choose to speak back. And a fine job you were doing, Micteca. Just remember that hunting is more about actions than words. Knowing that I've come to talk to her or more important matters than this, I clear my throat, my face growing solumn. I hate to ruin the mood, but I have some things to ask you. I know you care about Amir and you've been there for him for a long time now. There are some things I need to know the truth of and I have a feeling you know what I need. May I trouble you for a story? I sit down and then flop gently to my stomach, getting myself comfortable and more down to her level so she feels more comfortable around me. |