ars l

delicate silver necklace with a tiny crystal pendant glimmered around her neck, a symbol of he

m my window

very close

e still, then I kno

other one f

for me, no oth

eep in m

nts with a practiced ease. A sprig of rosemary tucked beh

ft body moving with a quiet confidence. Her humming grew softer, an

e rustling of leaves. She bent down to adjust her quiver of arrows, her movements fluid and graceful. As she

eling the heat dissipate. As she lifted her face to the sky, she began to hum a

ved towards the sound of the whimper. Looking o

to defend herself if necessary. "Easy there, little one," she said softly, trying

a. She slowly and calmly began to work on the snare, us

ed a sigh of relief, thinking the situation was resolved. But then, a loud growl echoed from the thi

hoa, moma" she said calmly, trying to defuse the si

Leila held her ground, her heart racing, but her movements slow and deliberat

s getting ready to charg towards her. "Whoa, big one," she said calmly, t

taking another step closer to Leila. Leila held her breath, thinking this was i

er and pulled her close. She was soon pressed against

ly towards the owlbear. Soon Leila's rescuer looked down at her.

d in black expensive clothing and wearing a dark indigo b

lt her body relaxing within his embrace. Maybe it was the sound of his voice, or the smell

bear who hesitated as it gazed back at the man. And after a few tense

ear lumbering away. As the bear left the stranger relea

the stranger to see him watching her with an intense look on his fa

feeling she soon shoke her head and then spoke up. "

what would have happened to me" she smiled at him. But t

e dangerous especially when protecting their young yo

e, it wasn't right yo stand aside and do nothing leaving

smiled " You saved me didn't you I'm sure you know the feeli

day" the man said going into his cloak and taking out a

to protect you when you need it the most throw i

She asked teasingly not believing a word he said but see

im. " Thank you for this gift I will treasure it

d before walking towards the trees. " Wait why are you giving me this?" She asked. T

you into trouble once more and I won't be their to save you

opened in shock but before she could say anything more he stepped into the t