The Village
Terra
It had all been more difficult than I had anticipated. The terrain was inhospitable and still in my animal form, I was having a hard time. I hadn’t found water yet, and some time had passed. I started taking more frequent breaks, as my body was getting more and more tired, despite that my animal was in charge. It was already night and I felt that I had not achieved much.
In the distance, I could see no settlement, or worse, a place where to drink. So, I went to some bushes that will cover me enough to spend the night there. Upon finding the perfect place, I dropped the backpack from my snout and curled up in a ball, trying to give myself comfort. My body ached, and my strength wouldn’t last long at this rate. So, I decided to close my eyes and dream about my mate. That is the only thing I could do.
In the morning, the noise of the birds woke me up really early. I was still in my animal form, due to the precariousness of my situation. In my human body, this would be impossible.
I lifted my head and began to sniff the air, trying to figure out what the cool air might tell me. And that’s when I smelled it. It contained the gentle breeze of the water. I pricked my ears in attention and, collecting my belongings with my muzzle, I set off.
My goal didn’t seem very far from where I was, so with all my strength, I concentrated on following the track, despite the hunger and thirst that invaded my body.
And after jogging slowly for what seemed like hours, in the distance, I finally saw it. I dropped my backpack from my muzzle and trotted slowly toward the small stream that was only some steps away.
Already on the shore, with abandon, I submerged my snout and began to drink. The contact of the water with my closed throat was something I will never forget. Making me feel such immense relief that my strength began to return little by little. When my animal was satisfied, I transformed, dropping into the creek no matter what. I wanted to feel the fresh water caress my dry and sun-damaged skin.
After washing my body as best I could, I stayed resting on the surface, feeling my body being caressed by the water until a rustle of leaves and sticks alerted me that I was no longer alone.
I raised my head and stood up immediately. The creek was not deep, so I could stand in the middle of it.
Quickly, I scanned my surroundings searching for the source of the sound, and that’s when in the distance I saw some branches moving. Slowly, I came out of the water and was about to morph, when three women came out of the bushes. And behind them two more men.
I nervously looked around for an exit., but definitely I was at a disadvantage. But despite my situation, in amazement, I watched the intruders in front of me.
They were all beautiful, which surprised me and made my thoughts of escaping go out the window. All three women were perfect, I couldn’t see a flaw in them. Their hair was abundant and reached past their shoulders. One had it up to her waist, making her look like a doll. All three were athletic, and their muscles were something to envy. Even though I was considered a strong and agile wolf, I doubt I would come out on top against one, let alone three.
Compared to them, I was a cheap version. My blonde hair, which, I thought, was beautiful, paled in comparison to its vibrant colours. My skin was darkened from travelling so much, exposing myself to the sun for hours. I felt ugly, which I never considered. I am frank, I say what I think, and I never let myself be carried away by gossip. I don’t consider myself unfair, either. And my self-confidence has always been strong, until now, from what I can see.
And regarding the two men, they left me speechless still further. I had never seen those features and the intense colour of their eyes. It was a honey colour, so transparent that it contrasted with the black jet colour of their hair and beards. All of them were naked. Probably, were roaming in their animals until they detected me.
I had ever heard in my pack that there was a race of wolves that preferred not to mix and that their physique was superior, along with their strength. And in front of me, I was sure about what the wolves which I heard speak were in front of me
A lump formed in my throat, making me swallow hard. Knowing all this, could it be that I was finally about to find my half? I was so absorbed in my thoughts, that I didn’t quite hear what one of them said. My lack of response made him take a step towards me, making me finally react in the face of danger.
Cautiously, but with a friendly smile, I said, “Hey, you scared me a little. I wasn’t expecting to meet anyone. I am Terra, and you?”
The same man who took a step towards me was the one who replied, “Intruders are not welcome in our territory, and you smell like a wolf from a pack I can’t identify. Terra, if that’s what you call yourself, tell me why are you here?”
I was surprised by his hostility, causing my eyes to widen in surprise. I kept quiet thinking about how to handle this situation, but in these cases, the only thing that can be done is to get straight to the point.
“Well, it’s only fair that I tell you what I’m doing on these lands. I have come from the old continent searching for my mate. The wolf that the goddess, destined for me.
I have travelled the world looking for him, and this is the only place left for me to look for.”
We all fell silent until their hysterical laughter echoed through the place. I was confused, not knowing what caused such a reaction. Their mocking faces were starting to annoy me, and I wasn’t one of those who let anyone abuse them. My eyes turned dark green, a sign that my animal was angry.
And with surprise, I noticed that it had an unexpected effect, since the five fell silent, opening their eyes still further. I knew my animal was dominant, but seeing the effect on them was beyond my imagination. Even the men looked surprised.
“I don’t know what I said to be so funny, but none of this is. As I said, I’m here to look for my mate, and since we’ve met, I ask you to take me to your Alpha. It won’t take long, I swear. And if my partner is none of you, I will leave without causing trouble.”
The same man who spoke earlier, who hasn’t even taken the decency to introduce himself, opened his mouth to respond but was stopped by the hand of one of the women.
“We will take you to the Alpha; however, I recommend that you do not get your hopes up in case you find him here. Since our race does not mix.”
Saying that she turned her back on me, going back the same way she came from, followed by the other four.
Her statement scared me, and at the same time made me straighten my back. Nothing and no one was going to come between me and my man. If he were here, there would be no other place for me than this. The moon goddess gifted him to me, and I was going to treasure that gift.
Without thinking more, I grabbed my belongings and followed them. Naked as I came into this world.
