Brightwood — New Horizons

Lahwa This is why I never leave the tropics, Lahwa thought to herself. Here it was, undeniable proof that life outside of their home-range was dangerous, scary and not worth the fresh breathable air. They lowered themself to the ground, hoping to move quietly enough not to startle the other into attacking them, sweeping their tail between their legs nervously. Whatever had been in the air that convinced them to leave, they would never allow it to fool her again. She folded her ears back against her head, keeping their chin low. The red wolf didn't want to risk even the illusion of attempting to intimidate the other - if all went well, they would escape this forest with their pelt intact and think long and hard about this incident if they ever thought of leaving their sanctuary again. She trembled a little, feeling the energy that beat through their chest bubbling to the forefront. The urge to cast an illusion, making themself look like naught but another bush in the woods; a stack of rocks even was gnawing at them, but for now, they withheld it. Sometimes they jumped the log and cast before they really needed to - they would wait until it was proven that they were truly in danger before trying any of their talents. They shivered again, the scent of the other - a wolf they noted - touching their nose and pressed their belly to the ground. Maybe I can slip away… --- Speech.