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On Track

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.�

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