As he rose to full height, she realized how much she should have run, everything about him screamed dangerous. But that wasn’t what made her freeze in place. No, her light green eyes met pure gold and she froze, her thoughts stalling for a split second.
Avyra had heard stories of wolves and wolfbrothers, people who were wolf like in thought but human on the outside. Could he even speak?
Then he spoke, voice a low grumble fitting for a man with such a broad chest, claiming to be just passing through. His words were too hasty to be true, and he didn’t give her time to reply before turning away.
A thud from above followed by some annoyed chittering brought her gaze up, and she followed it to see Kyella up there, bristled and annoyed.
Could she tell? Kyella was usually an even-tempered, easygoing bird, not the kind to lay a talon on anyone, but Avyra thought she was about to pounce.
Avyra huffed and sprang in front of him, light on her small feet, holding up her left hand to call the bird down, keeping her gaze on him the entire time. Kyella obeyed, spreading huge wings and landing softly on Avyra’s fist.
Then, Avyra pulled herself up to her full height, maybe level with the bottom of his chest, and spoke.
“Not so quickly. This is, after all, my part of the forest.” Not entirely true, but she wanted to run with it. “How do I know you won’t rob me in my sleep? Unfortunately travelers lead to too many problems, if you know what I mean.” She paused. “So, what are you doing here, mister yellow eyes?”
Not the brightest idea, but she wasn’t known for those. Maybe the huge bird on her fist would keep him from swinging that axe at her.
Perrin stared at the bird as if it were a viper, though he knew the thought was a foolish one. He’d just never seen such an eagle up close before, especially not one with its feathers sticking up every which way and its wings flapping at him so furiously. He raised a forearm, as if to shield his face, and took a few steps backwards. Stepper, his dun stallion, seemed unruffled by the eagle’s efforts to make itself appear more menacing, tapping the ground with a hoof as if eager to be off. Perrin couldn’t agree more.
Unfortunately, the well-dressed woman stepped forwards, sticking out her arm. The bird alighted on it with practiced ease. Perrin’s eyes slowly trailed back to her. Only nobles went hawking, as far as he knew. What with her fine clothes and the commanding way she spoke, she sounded very well like one. He tried not to react to the way she pointed out his eye color, but he couldn’t help but flinch. Light-cursed eyes that they were.
❝I already told you,❞ he all but growled, moving back to Stepper. ❝I’m just passing through. Last I recall, traveling wasn’t considered a crime.❞ Though it might very well be a crime on her lands. Nobles were a fickle sort like that. Burn him, how was he going to get out of this mess? It would be a good idea to rein in his temper before he said something he’d truly regret, but he was just so tired. Those bloody dreams had sapped him of all energy --- and patience, it seemed. What a wool-headed fool he was acting like.
❝I just want to get to the closest village,❞ he said, hopefully sounding calmer than before. He didn’t feel calmer, but he busied himself with his saddlebags all the same, refusing to look at her. ❝And I’m no thief, either.❞
