for Naturale

[sockbin]

Rust made his home in a small cave set in a cliff face, only a stone's throw away from the meadow where they'd spent most of their time together. A curtain of vines hid the narrow entrance tunnel and kept out both rain and sun. Once he was certain she was following, Rust trotted ahead to nose at and activate the enchanted lantern that served as his den's only source of light.

There wasn't too much to see. The chamber was vaguely oblong and a large nest of furs and shredded cloth filled the end opposite the entrance. Along the sides were glimmering piles of trinkets, bones, and broken armor. All were things he'd scavenged, trophies of his battles, or the remains of adventurers who had entered his lair without invitation. It looked more like the sanctum of a small dragon than the den of a dire wolf, but then most wolves had big families to fill their homes and Rust as alone.

As he settled down in his bed, he watched his little guest carefully, yellow eyes wide and ears pricked forward attentively. Did she realize how great a show of trust this was, his allowing her into his cave? Would she be afraid, now that she'd see up close how dangerous he could've been had their first encounter gone differently?

He hoped not. He liked Lelyn more than most beings he'd met in his long life.