Thread: Random Short Stories *May contain triggers/graphic scenes*

You realize I will kill you if its necessary, Krift growled. You could try, Kicker snorted. Youre not welcome here, dog. Come on, Tachia, call off your pack here. I come with gifts. Kicker glared at the man blocking the cave enterance. No, Salir hissed, taking a protective stance in front of the enterance. Her green eyes glittered in the firelight and she bared her teeth. No one sees the Queen right now, and especially not you. Kicker chuckled, shaking his head at the Personal Cousil for the Queen. Youre just saying that because you dont like me. Me not liking you has- Salir, thats enough, Tachia appeared at the enterance. Her blonde hair hung loosely around her and she wore an oversized tunic. She whispered something to her cousin, who disappeared into the cave. What do you want, cur? Kicker took a step towards her, not expecting the reaction. Tachia growled, her eyes glowing icily as she advanced on him. Stay back, she cautioned. For the first time he looked at her, now that shed stepped fully into the firelight. She looked exhausted. Like shed been at war for weeks. He frowned slightly, trying to recall a time that shed appeared even half as drained. He couldnt. Tachia, he said softly, taking another step closer. I said back off, she growled again, her body quivering with anticipation. Ok, ok, he held his hands up, taking a step back. You look awful. The Queen laughed softly at that, turning to stare into the fire. Ive had a rough couple of days, she replied. Now what do you want? He tossed a leather bag her way. It thumped loudly a few feet away from her. Ahleen and Acten sent them. Ahleen mentioned something about a salve too. She said to use it after bathing it should help with the tenderness? The twins hadnt explained anything that had been in the pack before hed left. Other than the instructions for a salve, he had no idea what the little bag contained. Tachia looked shocked and for a second a look of fear crossed her blue eyes, but then she opened the strings of the pack and knelt down to remove the contents. Smoked salmon and venison in quite a large quantity. Krift from his spot by the cave rose a brow, curiousity on his face. Next Tachia pulled out four small blankets made from the softest fox fur shed ever felt. The last of the blankets had beautifully embroidered tigers. At the botton of the bag were three bottles. One with what appeared to be a salve, the other two contained dark liquid. These are? Kicker shook his head. Ive no idea. That was from Acten. What color? He wanted to go to her side, but he knew shed react just as violently as before. It was very apparent that Krift and Salir were the only two shed allow near her. She shook the vials, holding them up to the light. Dark. Perhaps green, though I cant be sure. He held his hand out to her and she gladly gave him one of the vials. He uncorked it and sniffed, being assaulted with soft flowery scents. Some sort of soothing mixture. I can smell lavendar and lilac for sure, possibly some chamomile. He corked it and handed it back to the Queen. Tachia went back to petting the soft furs, a sappy smile plastered on her face. She looked up to him. Youll have to thank them for me. Really, I love it all. Is there anything I can send for them? Theyve done so much for me as of late. Kicker laughed softly and shook his head. Ahleen said youd try and give in return. They insist that you simply come by when you can make it. She smiled again, shaking her head. I will have to do that. Tachia, he started, sighing softly. Theres something different about you. I cant figure out what it is but I know theres something different. He moved to kneel beside her, a silent prayer on his lips when she didnt lash out at him. Listen, Kicker. Youre right, there is something different. But, Im not going to discuss it with you. With that she packed the things into the bag and stood slowly. Tell the twins I said thank you. Ill be sure to make my way to Witak when I am able. She turned, making her way back to the cave. Damn it, Tachia, he growled, following her. In and instant shed transformed into the white tigress, taking a protective stance before the enterance. Her tail flicked in aggitation as she growled at him. He took a few steps forward and she attacked. The weight of the large beast was more than even Kicker had expected and she pinned him, her teeth bared as she growled in his face. You stupid dog! Salir snorted, having come out at her cousins telepathic call. She says that you apparently dont value your life. And the only thing preventing her from ending your miserable life is the love that she once felt for you. He tried to move, but Tachia put more pressure on his chest. Get off, he snarled. Im just concerned. Shes not herself right now. And still, thats none of your concern. Salir retorted. She will kill you, dog. Move again and she will. Kicker sighed. All right, Im done. Ill go. Tachia glared at him for a moment longer before slinking off him. She made her way back to the enterance then laid across it. Her posture exuded one thing Mine. He shook his head, staring at the tigress for a moment longer before disappearing. As he traveled back to his villiage he was sure of two things There was something in that cave that the Felician Queen wanted no one to see, and, she would kill to protect her secret. He tried remembering the last time before this hed seen the Queen. It hadnt been since the confrontation with Ariana. So what had happened in the three short months since theyre last meeting to change the woman he knew so well?