Pretty Eyes

She was so very hungry.

Her stomach had become an entity all its own, clawing and biting at her insides. At times, it felt small and shriveled as if it had twisted in on itself, sinking into a black hole of depravity. At others, it was the only thing she could think about, as if it had stolen away the hole of her torso and hips, sucking on her bones for the marrow and tearing into her organs for the blood.

Aesira stumbled into a tree and stopped, shaking her head and wavering where she stood. She'd tried to hunt in the forest and fish in the rivers but she'd failed. It hadn't been on her mind when she had still felt full. When at last hunger had struck, she'd been too impatient and too disheartened. Now, she was like a ghost.

Drawn by the scent of food coming from the barracks, Aesira lingered by the outskirts of the stony walls, feeling saliva pool within her mouth. A sneaking, electrifying jolt coursed through her veins as she saw strangers pass by. Warriors, she presumed. She snuck back a step before lowering her head to smooth some fur on her chest. Even though she was ratty, she did her best to look clean. It was second nature for her to try and be presentable, to be like the nymphs in the Howling Moon.

code: clae, art: ashon

Mismatched sights lingered upon all who mingled within the heart of the barracks, her own paws winding beneath its shadow after finding herself brought in under the presumptions of a new recruit. A trainee all too eager to please. Too bad she had to break their little heart by vanishing within the hour. Raiden wouldn’t be caught dead joining up with an army of all things. Their code far more restrictive, less fun, than those which built and structured the Talon. The very branch who’s call she heeded by coming here.

For one within these walls held a hefty price on his head. Matters of a contract those she hoped to set in motion this day. Collect and keep tabs on this intended mark, remain ever watchful for the time paces may stray from the rest glimpsed to linger in his assumed platoon. Figures carefully tailed as if in admiration, ever ready to offer whispers to any who may question as if she were a dame transfixed. Love struck over a mere passing with the chiseled warrior. Who was he? She may say despite knowing all too well from the information offered so willing by another.

If nothing else hearing a name uttered from a fellow army wolf’s lips it would confirm a target. Leave no room for doubt that he were the one and only of such build and patterning. Raiden’s gaze never left him as a formation fled through an iron maw, gates creaking in the breeze and yet she found pause just outside their reach. Another figure capturing her focus as it flickered and danced over stationed guard, only to fall back toward one much smaller. Ratty and unkempt as skin began to cling to underlying bone.

There was half a thought to leave the girl to the mercy of the soldiers and yet if she did so, if she decided to turn a blind eye, there was no telling what manner of beast may prey upon the weakened youth. Grumbling under her breath frustration fled in a quiet huff as her path shifted. No longer chasing after a man but rather forged to where this girl perched near the gates. Preening as if readily putting herself on display earning a light sigh from the half ‘n’ half fae before lyrics slipped free, “What are you doin’ out here kid?”

Question genuine as eyes laced in silent concern, “Don’t look like you belong out this way.” Not near an army's barracks. Not with that disheveled build. Raiden knew all too well they were taken in young, molded by those of higher rank just as she had been beneath the Talon’s shadows and yet signs of malnutrition triggered deeper thought. A wonderment over just where this girl had come from.