When I stumble upon her, she does not run or even jump in fright, she shrinks lower into the grass and cowers, like a rabbit or a fawn. I can't help but stare at her and wonder what could cause a wolf to act like this. One thing I do notice is how her eyes avoid the hare, even though I know she is starving. Another cue that something is not quite right with her. Most would have snapped at the opportunity to take the hare, or simply stare at it longingly. Yet here she was, staring at me with a terror i've only seen in prey animals before they are killed.

When I offer her the hare, her ears creep forward and she looks at me with uncertainty. Something keeps her from taking it, so I offer her a reassuring nod of my head to tell her it is okay. When I lay down, some of her fear melts away, enough to allow her to gently reach out and take the rabbit. She slowly starts to naw on one of the legs, stopping briefly to stare at me still uncertain, as if she expects me to attack her; that this whole thing was simply a ruse. But it is not, and when she sees that, she continues to eat.

When the leg is finished, she takes her paw and pushes it back towards me, staring at me with beautiful golden eyes. "I... thank you...." she says, her eyes beginning to tear up a little bit. I offer her a friendly, kind smile before standing and gently pushing the hare back to her. When I lay back down, I take a paw and gently point to her, as if to tell her that she needs it more than me. "I am Fjallraven she says, blinking away the tears and her tail swaying gently.

My tail copies her action and I nod my head in greeting. I bring my paw to my mouth and open and close it before shaking my head no, to show her that I cannot speak. I only hope she'll understand me, maybe even come back to Asteraia with me so we can protect her and she will no longer need to be starving and alone. Yes alone, just like I used to be.