CHAPTER TEN.

(MELIORA’S POV)

As I followed the little girl farther into the thick forest, I couldn't help wondering if her settlement was more distant than I'd initially imagined. But soon enough, we emerged into a small clearing amid the towering trees where a handful of modest thatched huts became visible.

The settlement appeared quaint but sparsely populated, giving off an air of isolation from the outside world - precisely what I'd been hoping to stumble across, if I was being honest with myself.

The young girl pointed one of the larger structures out to me before dashing off ahead towards it, clearly indicating I should follow.

Tentatively, I approached the dwelling, unsure what sort of reception to anticipate but keeping an open mind. A weathered woman emerged from the entryway, likely alerted by the sounds of my approaching footsteps and her daughter's arrival. She eyed me up and down appraisingly as I clasped my hands together and offered a polite smile.

"Good day to you," I began cautiously. "I hope I'm not imposing or disturbing you or your family. You see, I only need to borrow a few matchsticks if possible, then I'll be on my way without further inconvenience."

The woman's brow furrowed slightly as she studied my unkempt appearance more critically. "Matchsticks? And just what do you need them for, stranger?"

"Oh, well..." I swallowed hard, trying to decide how much to divulge. "Oh, I caught some fish from the river not far from here. I was hoping to roast them over a fire for a decent meal, but my attempts at starting a flame failed rather miserably, I'm afraid."

"That's when I encountered your daughter watching me curiously from the bushes. I meant no harm, merely to secure some means of properly cooking my meager catch before moving forward."

Comprehension seemed to dawn across the woman's lined features as she nodded slowly. "I see...so you're just a lonely traveler passing through our woods?"

"Precisely," I replied with what I hoped was a disarming smile. "I didn't realize there were any settlements out here until your daughter revealed herself. No reason for alarm - I'll be on my way again shortly with your kind assistance."

The woman's eyes narrowed faintly as she scrutinized me a final time. "We don't often encounter visitors in these parts," she said in a carefully measured tone. "But you can come in."

Recognizing the veiled hint of potential hostility simmering beneath her ostensibly welcoming offer, I felt it prudent to comply without argument. "Thank you for your hospitality."

I followed her inside the modestly-appointed hut, taking a seat on the worn but neatly kept furnishings when she gestured for me to do so. As the woman puttered around a small cooking area, presumably preparing some refreshments, I allowed my gaze to wander studiously over my surroundings.

The interior was basic but tidy, clearly the home of a tight-knit family group managing a sustainable if unembellished life deep within the forest's isolated embrace.

My hostess soon returned bearing a tray with a pitcher of cool water and a trio of wooden cups which she set before me. "Here, you must be parched from your travels. Please, make yourself comfortable while I get my husband to assess your...situation properly."

I accepted the proffered drink with a murmur of thanks, watching her silently retreat back outside. Taking a long draft to wet my dry throat, I tried to mentally prepare myself for whatever interrogation awaited upon the man of the house's arrival.

Best to keep my responses deliberately vague regarding my background and reasons for wandering, but plausible enough to avoid rousing undue suspicions.

The heavy tread of boots against the packed dirt outside signaled his approach even before he ducked through the low entryway. My hostess trailed in behind him, allowing the weathered but imposing figure to approach and eye me up and down with no preamble.

"So..." he began gruffly. "You're the traveler my wife mentioned, wandering our woods alone without any means of harm?"

I inclined my head deferentially. "That is correct, sir. Please allow me to introduce myself - I am Liora, a nomad currently seeking...resettlement at the next available pack's territory."

Not quite the entire truth, but not an outright falsehood either in the strictest sense of the wording.

The man continued studying me in silence for a long moment before pursing his lips pensively. "And tell me, Liora - if that is indeed your name - what brings a lone young woman such as yourself out here in these unforgiving wilds without any gear, supplies, or even a map to guide your way? We've found nothing but your small fish caught by the riverside where you met my daughter."

My gaze dropped self-consciously to my hands where they lay folded in my lap. How much could I admit without raising further undue scrutiny over my situation?

These simple villagers, however courteous their demeanors, could still react unpredictably to the full truth of my identity and plight if presented too baldly.

"I..." I began haltingly, weighing how best to phrase my response. "I am...I just want to get to the next pack, available. My pack got attacked so I fled from our lands with only my life and no belongings."

The man's expression remained unreadable for a suspended beat. Then his shoulders slumped in a slight exhale as he nodded resignedly.

"Of course - you're a rogue wolf fleeing your former circumstances. Everything about you shows it."

I felt my cheeks flush, but refrained from reacting beyond a slow, sober inclination of confirmation.

My host sighed audibly, giving his wife a sidelong glance before turning back to me. "Well, there's a vast pack north of here. But I'm afraid you're in no suitable condition for further travels in your current state."

Hope flickered to life in my chest even as I clamped my jaw to avoid letting it show.

"The nearest civilized pack from these woods lies a strenuous four day journey through these wild forests. You'd never survive that distance in your current depleted state - best you remain here for at least a few days, regaining your strength and vitality before daring to press onwards."

My throat felt tight with gratitude and relief, though I tried to keep my expression neutral and composed. "That...would be most appreciated, good sir. I humbly thank you for extending such gracious care to a weary wanderer."

The gruff man waved a calloused hand dismissively. "Think nothing of it, child - hospitality towards our own kind remains one of the few universal traditions still observed even out here on the fringes. You'll get a good rest and eat better. Then we'll see about giving you some clothes and a map before you take off to the nearest territory."

Unable to restrain myself any longer, I felt the first warm tear of reprieved joy trickle down my cheek. "You have my deepest gratitude. I only wish I had anything to repay you, kind sir."

My host simply nodded brusquely, jerking his chin towards the repast which his wife had placed between us while we conversed.

"No need for that. Now eat up...before the food gets cold."

I didn't require any further urging. With hunger already eating me up, I dipped into the meal with famished hunger.


Whatever uncertain tomorrow still holds in store, for once since setting out from that dreadful hospital, I felt a measure of security and hope for the path stretching out ahead.

And somewhere out there in the vast wilds, my future pack and purpose awaited - Kaira's low, contented purrs echoing that promise in my mind.