She looks at me with such distrust and I find myself learning from her even without seeming like it. Perhaps I should not be so trustworthy with others. Of course, that doesn't mean I have to act like I don't trust you. I can wear the mask of ignorance while playing around with thoughts of defense in my head. That sounds like the smart idea to me. That way I seem like a fool while on the inside, I'll always be ten steps ahead of any predator who counts me as prey.

Of course I don't see Maud as a predator, merely a challenge. She answers me almost as if bored. Okay she has a point, but still, who turns down a good mystery? No one, that's who. She is right. I am clumsy and I don't know how to be silent but maybe I will learn more than just how to talk to strangers today.

Even so, she follows me down into the darkness. I flick one ear back to har her silent foot steps. She is behind me, I can sense it, and yet I can't hear her. Impressive. I'll have to take notes. I pause in the darkness, blinking to let my eyes adjust as shes steps beside me, her dark fur almost brushing against my own as she moves past me into the darkness. I watch in curiosity, ears flicking forward as she moves with confidence and yet caution. My head tilts, yellowish green eyes gleaming as she stops a few steps ahead, her paw wavering in the air before she returns it.

She growls then, low in her throat, and it makes an interesting echo in the darkness. She repeats the sound, staring into the darkness as if she sees something. What does she see? My eyes squint but I can't make anything out past her. She retreats then and I wonder if she's done playing in the dark so soon. I'm almost disappointed. She gives me a look and I blink at her in wonder before she throws herself forward, launching toward the edge. I take a step forward, my eyes widening as I catch on at the last minute that there's a cliff there. The echoes finally make sense.

But then she's in the air, like she's flying, and for a moment she disappears in the darkness. Her coat disappears so well but I don't hear a scream. Would she cry out if she was falling into the abyss? I step forward, a whimper threatening to spill from my lips but I hold it in, wanting to know for sure. My nose twitches, my ears flickering and then I see a flash of movement ahead. I can just make out the bristles of her fur as she moves her back to me, stepping forward into the darkness. She's leaving me? Hey, I started this adventure!

My eyes narrowing in challenge, I lunge forward, my hind legs pushing off of the edge of the abyss. For a minute there's nothing beneath my paws but cold air but then I feel the clash of rock beneath my claws. I scrabble for a second, my back legs still dangling over the side and a gasp leaves my lips as for a minute, I actually believe that I'm going to die. I start slipping backwards as if the abyss is dragging me down and my eyes watch her retreating form, wondering if I'll ever see her again, or anyone for that matter.