by Ioreth-(V)
October 7, 2018
Written for the 21st Anniversary of the Valar Guild
She carefully approached the edge of the stream, being careful that
her soft-soled boots left no imprints. Kneeling close she identified
the footprints in the soft dirt. A deer was the most recent, then
there were many birds small and large. The largest was the mark of a
hunting bird, probably an eagle. On the other side was the flat pad
marks left by a large cat, she could tell it wasn't a wolf because
the enormous foot was rounded and there was no imprint of claws.
Looking downstream she saw a pair of tracks that belonged to wolves.
The long, narrow footprints were led by sharp cuts in the soft soil
where their claws had dug in as they leapt across after drinking.
She surveyed the banks of the stream above where she knelt and
thought that she saw the track she was searching for. Carefully she
backed away from the bank and circled further up, examining every
blade of grass and bent flower as she drew near. There, the rounded
imprint that would only be left by a knee as her quarry had lowered
himself to drink. A rock along the edge had been tipped clear of the
soft dirt. The difference in color might not have been noticeable to
most, unless they were looking for it. She studied the two marks for
a while then scanned the earth on the other side and then behind her
as she tried to discern the direction he had taken. Her eyes fell
upon a shadow just uphill and on her side of the stream. She smiled
and rose.
The shadow materialized into a man. His tanned skin and cowl hinted
at his occupation, his dancing eyes met hers and a smile broadened
his face. "I knew I was probably in trouble when I felt that rock
move. I didn't know if you would see it."
"Even if I hadn't, you put your knee down there as well," she
pointed at the still damp circle on his leg.
Uncle and niece, they looked the same yet different. Both dressed in
woodsman's garb, both tall, although she was slightly taller with
haunting blue-green eyes and a face that hinted at her lineage. Both
enjoying the lifetime game of hide and seek that always started when
they entered the forest. At one time he had been the better, now
there was no question she had mastered their craft.
�Now that you have found me, don�t forget to drink.�