| |
|
As they moved deeper into the forest, Gale could feel the silence pressing down, each step louder than it should’ve been. Varys suddenly growled low, his body stiffening as he darted into the underbrush. Gale froze for a moment before hearing the sharp struggle of a rabbit caught by the wolf. Moments later, Varys returned, dropping the rabbit at Gale’s feet, satisfied. But before Gale could move, a faint sound of footsteps reached his ears. He stopped, hand hovering near his dagger, but shook his head. It’s nothing, he thought. Your mind’s playing tricks. He stood, brushing off the unease, and spoke quietly to Varys. "Let’s go." The wolf, still alert, followed without hesitation. |
|
|
| |
|
Kayla definitely heard a voice this time and remembered she was weaponless. "Shit" She muttered again, continuing to walk |
|  |
|
| |
|
As they continued through the forest, the stillness was suddenly shattered by Varys. The wolf stopped dead in his tracks, his fur bristling as he began barking and growling loudly, his voice sharp and commanding. His eyes scanned the underbrush, muscles tensing as he prowled forward, darting into the trees. Gale froze, watching the wolf’s sudden shift in focus. Varys circled the area, sniffing the air, his growls growing more intense. Something was nearby, but Gale held his ground. He knew the wolf wouldn’t act without reason. Varys stopped for a moment, ears flicking, then resumed prowling, his low growls echoing through the woods as he searched. Gale remained still, every sense alert, but he didn’t move—waiting for the wolf to confirm whatever threat had caught his attention. |
|
|
| |
|
Kayla heard a low growl and froze, her eyes darting around while she tried to pinpoint the sound |
| |
|
| |
|
Varys continued to prowl, his teeth bared, low growls rumbling from his chest. The wolf’s tail flicked behind him, stiff with tension, as he circled the area, sniffing at the ground and the trees. His barking grew louder, more aggressive, each sound carrying through the stillness of the forest. The growls were deep and menacing, as though daring whatever lurked in the shadows to show itself. Gale remained motionless, watching Varys’s every movement, the hairs on the back of his neck prickling with the energy in the air. He knew better than to rush in. The wolf’s instincts were far sharper than his own. Varys’s eyes flashed in the direction of a thick thicket of brambles, his growl cutting through the noise of his barking. He took a few steps closer, muscles coiled, ready to spring. Gale’s hand went to the dagger at his side, but he still waited. The wolf wasn’t calling for help—he was preparing for something. After a tense moment, Varys stopped, his posture rigid, and let out a final, sharp bark, his gaze locked on the underbrush. The air felt thick, expectant. |
|
|
| |
|
Kayla kept listening to the growling until she could hear the location. She couldn't see the animal, but she knew where it was. She jumped slightly at the bark, mentally cursing at herself |
| |
|
| |
|
Varys froze, his eyes locked on the underbrush, growling low and steady. The tension in the air was thick, as if the forest itself was holding its breath. Gale took a slow step forward, his voice calm but firm. “Varys, come.” The wolf’s ears flicked at the sound of his name. He glanced back at Gale, his growl deepening for a moment, but then, after a long pause, Varys turned and prowled back toward him, his body still tense, teeth bared. He cast one last, wary look at the underbrush, growling once more as though warning whatever lingered to stay hidden. Gale watched the wolf, his grip tightening on the dagger at his side, but when Varys returned, his stance relaxed just slightly. “Good,” Gale muttered, though the unease remained in the air. Something was out there. Varys stopped just beside him, still alert but no longer focused on the hidden threat. Gale kept his eyes on the trees, instinct telling him to stay ready. |
|
|
| |
|
Kayla heard the familiar voice and cursed again mentally. She didn't want to see him, but was also worried he would harm her by accident or on purpose if she didn't show herself. "Gale, stop being an idiot" She called |
| |
|
| |
|
Just as Gale was about to take another step, a voice suddenly rang out from the shadows, sharp and familiar. “Gale, stop being a idiot” Gale froze, his eyes scanning the trees, his muscles tensing as the voice echoed in the stillness. He didn’t need to see her to know who it was. Kayla. Varys immediately reacted, his growl rising again. Gale held a hand out toward the wolf, signaling for him to stay back. But then, with a subtle motion, he gave a quiet command. Varys instantly stepped in front of Gale, his massive frame a silent shield between his master and the unseen speaker. “Come out,” Gale called, his voice calm but edged with frustration, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his dagger. “I’m not in the mood for games.” The rustle of leaves barely reached his ears as someone shifted in the trees, but no other sound followed. The voice was gone, swallowed by the vastness of the forest. Gale sighed, his grip tightening on the dagger. “I should’ve known you’d follow me,” he muttered under his breath. Varys’s growls quieted as he stood firmly between Gale and the forest, ever watchful, the tension in the air thickening. They both knew something was out there. But whoever it was—Kayla or not—wasn’t showing themselves just yet. |
|
|
| |
|
Kayla took a small step toward his voice, but was still out of sight. "I'm not playing any games." She said, crossing her arms. "And I didn't follow you." |
| |
|
Bright Sunshine with a few High Clouds
