OT

The phone did not ring... tension is slowly fading, but so are hopes that it might ring.

So instead, have another bite of necromancy....

She grieved. She had called his spirit back to her, and now she knew exactly what she would miss about the old man. And his continued presence would only remind her of that. Carefully, she picked up the axe and examined the fine powder on it. She traced her fingers through it, and gently kissed her fingers. She looked at the axe itself and felt its weight in her hand. She thought of the glint in the beast’s eye as it had watched the women. That creature hunts for the joy of the kill, she knew, and was unlike any other she had encountered. This was an enemy worthy of destruction. She knew also how very lucky she was. If it had noticed her.... She would need allies. This village seemed very convenient indeed. And she had already learned how she may gain entry in good faith.

Carefully, she set down the axe and stood. There was no point in bringing something she didn't know how to use. She knew what her weapons were. She shouldered her pack and walked in the direction the women had run. She kept her hands open and empty, and her sense alert.

She had not walked very far when a shape seemingly coalesced in front of her. The animal stepped from between the stalagmites to stand blocking her path. The yellow eyes looked intently and warily into her lavender eyes. Its shaggy gray fur reminded her of tattered old silks sewn together for blankets. There was something in the gaze that reminded her of the changeling; the intent eyes patiently assessing her movements, her thoughts.

She did not move for a few moments. Then she quietly asked, "Are you a Guardian?" She felt this must be the animal written of in tales of legend as a wolf. Few believed they ever existed any more, but alternatively depending on the legend, they were either guardians or enemy to her people.

The wolf slowly lowered then raised his head, as if in a simple solemn nod.

"I see," she said. "Do you guard those two young women who just ran through here, and their village? They need better care. I just drove off what I think must be an orc that threatened them."

The wolf flinched.

She pressed her advantage. "I would go to the village and offer my help. Hunters such as that orc should not threaten those unable to handle it."

The wolf snorted, but he moved aside. He sat and watched her walk down the narrow path. Although she did not turn to watch. Let the wolf investigate- she had no motivation to lie.  ¶ 6:22 PM