Sure, he saved me from the mountain lion, but was that only for his own benefit? Did he see me as an easy meal or was there something else going on?
I didn't know. But as the bear encouraged me to walk on, I obeyed.
4
Bear
Aside from being coveredin blood, the deer smelled amazing.
That was where the positives ended.
He was understandably cranky and tired after being attacked by the mountain lion, but what was even more frustrating was that I didn’t think he realized I was a shifter. He kept eyeing me in confused fear as if I would lunge at him and tear him open like a rack of ribs at any moment.
First things first, I needed to lead him away from the forest. He clearly wanted to go the other way, back to wherever he came from, but if he went alone he wouldn't stand a chance. Despite his sassy attitude, I didn't want anything bad to happen to him. If only he understood that I was trying to help.
Once again I recalled the coyote shifters' conversation about the spirits. If I found one, they could fix me. I'd be able to speak to this deer and tell him everything. Maybe then we could actually get along.
Right now, he didn't understand me. Did he think I was an animal or just a stubborn shifter who refused to speak to him?
Once he was patched up, I would try to explain myself. But first, he needed medical attention.
I kept a close eye on the deer so he didn't bolt. With him walking ahead, I led him to my hollow. He paused at the entrance, glancing at me with a curious expression, as if unsure of what to do next. I gestured my snout towards the inside of the hollow but the deer hesitated. He probably didn't feel safe in a semi-enclosed space with me. It was a little irritating that he didn't trust me after I just saved his life, but I also understood the fear of being trapped.
With a loud huff, I stalked inside the hollow, then looked back at him. I patted the ground with my paw to invite him inside.
"Do you… want me to come in?" he asked.
I nodded. The human-like gesture seemed to startle him. His eyes widened before coming inside.
Looking around the hollow, he said, "Nice place you have here. Very, um, earthy."
I snorted in amusement. He was bleeding all over the place and still trying to make small talk.
Though I didn't want to turn my back to him for fear of him escaping, I needed to sort through my herbs. Though I figured I could outrun him anyway if he took off.
I pawed through my stash until I found the necessary items. I picked them up with my lips and walked over to the deer, who stood awkwardly in the middle of the hollow. His legs trembled with exhaustion. He looked like he wanted to sit down but was too afraid.
I gestured to the ground, hoping he'd get the point.
"You want me to sit?" he asked.
I nodded.
"Okay…"
The deer eased himself to the floor, his legs sticking out like toothpicks.
Have you ever seen a deer sit on its ass? It's pretty funny. I let out a chuff of laughter.
The deer narrowed his eyes. "Are you laughing at me?"
I returned his gaze.
He blinked. Confusion was written all over his warm brown eyes. "You're so weird."
I frowned. I hated being called weird. Irritated, I turned back to my work.
"Um, sorry," the deer said. "I didn't mean to upset you.Interestingis a more appropriate word."
