It took a moment for his mind to catch up with his eyes — there was a dog beneath the tree. One of those muscular, short haired brutes favored in Ferenden. Mabari was the word. Frozen in place, Avi didn’t particularly like his chances. The breed was known for thick, dense skulls and was bred to fight alongside their masters. One strike with a weapon like his might not do the job. In that case, he’d certainly get bit.
This was far too dangerous. He ought to get well away, apples be damned. And yet, he was slowly starving. The thought of going back to Lirulin with mostly empty pockets stung. So, he watched a few seconds longer.
The dog wasn’t in bad shape, considering. Glossy pelt, good conditioning. Someone was looking after it. Strange that it remained in attendance upon the tree, rather than approaching – as one might expect for a well socialized animal – or fleeing. Avishan took a few slow, tentative steps forward. And followed the dog’s worried glance into the canopy.
Among the yellowing leaves and dark fruits was the strangest thing. A woman, fair and light haired like so many Orlesian humans, but with ears that matched his own. The beast’s master, no doubt.
“Hello? Do you need help, miss?” He pitched his voice to carry, wincing at the noise. It had been some time since he’d spoken with anyone other than his sister and their wolves. “I’ll set the ladder for you if you promise he won’t bite.” A wave of nausea washed over him as he stepped foot into the tree’s shadow, a rush of blood through his ears that dimmed the sounds of the dog and the wind. Avi shook his head and the feeling began to pass.
Maker’s breath, a bit of rotten fruit wasn’t that bad. It was nothing, only that it had been too long since a proper meal.
@Isla Ros
This was far too dangerous. He ought to get well away, apples be damned. And yet, he was slowly starving. The thought of going back to Lirulin with mostly empty pockets stung. So, he watched a few seconds longer.
The dog wasn’t in bad shape, considering. Glossy pelt, good conditioning. Someone was looking after it. Strange that it remained in attendance upon the tree, rather than approaching – as one might expect for a well socialized animal – or fleeing. Avishan took a few slow, tentative steps forward. And followed the dog’s worried glance into the canopy.
Among the yellowing leaves and dark fruits was the strangest thing. A woman, fair and light haired like so many Orlesian humans, but with ears that matched his own. The beast’s master, no doubt.
“Hello? Do you need help, miss?” He pitched his voice to carry, wincing at the noise. It had been some time since he’d spoken with anyone other than his sister and their wolves. “I’ll set the ladder for you if you promise he won’t bite.” A wave of nausea washed over him as he stepped foot into the tree’s shadow, a rush of blood through his ears that dimmed the sounds of the dog and the wind. Avi shook his head and the feeling began to pass.
Maker’s breath, a bit of rotten fruit wasn’t that bad. It was nothing, only that it had been too long since a proper meal.
@Isla Ros
12-30-2024, 12:39 PM
