The peeking sun tantalized the earth beneath in a game of 'hide and seek' as the clouds hustled by. Warmth tickled the ground, seeping into its pores but too shallow to chase away the dampness after the previous night's drizzle.

Trees danced to the silent whoosh of a gentle breeze, chilling branches as their leaves shrunk in self-protection from the tricky onslaught.

Juvenile laughter rose in the air as kids raced each other around, the jagged lanes brimming with life despite the despondency the weather brought upon the small village as it failed to wipe the genuine smiles off the inhabitants.

Yet, the unease of inevitable trouble loomed in the atmosphere, which the humans remained oblivious to.

With fluffed feathers, mauve turned to slits as Efû glanced around. His intuition screamed at him as he grew restless, not knowing what kind of danger to expect or from which way it would come.

Shaking his head, he dismissed it as the depressing weather playing tricks on his mind for Efû detested rain as it hindered his ability to fly and ruined his precious feathers. Instead, his attention returned to his beloved companion as she darted around the trees, anxiety, wariness, and giddiness rolling off of her like tidal waves.

Slender fingers gathered around wool, picking her dress from the ground and away from rushing feet. Fiery strands danced behind her like flames of a cheeky fire, spilling across gaunt shoulders and shielding a dainty neck.

She'd once told him that her hair has never grown this long and he wondered, for too many moments, why would someone not let such beautiful sunrays spill to the ground?

Someone that thrived in the darkness, most definitely.

His intense stare scrutinized every movement, every grimace, every smell. He could tell she wasn't used to socializing, communicating, or playing with kids her age, or anyone for that matter. Curiosity heightened as he remained tucked with the folds of swaying trees, watching and guarding.

Ashelia panted, a sheen of perspiration coating warm skin. Laughter bubbled out of her chest. Her hand trembled in fatigue as it rose and waved goodbye, signaling the end of her brief participation in the game. 

Mauve glinted, following hurried footsteps as she dashed back to civilization and around boisterous vendors, their shouts bellowing to invite customers to their modest shops.

The small girl couldn't resist the urge to twirl in the new dress Martha made just for her. The warm material flapped around, prompting shy giggles from her.

"Oi, kid."

Her head turned to the familiar sound right as a bright red apple was tossed her way. Ashelia grinned, narrowly grabbing it afore it landed on the soil. Little time was given for her to straighten up before many other excited calls were yelled out and plenty of food was shoved in her small arms.

"Pass our greetings to Martha, kid."

She nodded, mumbling a timid thank you and scurrying back to her caregiver, a childless woman who offered her a place to stay, filled her belly, and made sure she was accepted in the village considering her previous act of innocent thievery.

Martha's attempts to busy herself with housework were futile for the unease persisted. It was inevitable. The endless cycle of running was suffocating, thinning little by little every time she found herself stuck in a bruising embrace of claws and whispered threats.

The sound of banging wood startled the poor woman, her heart lurching at all the possibilities that she kept denying but knew her guts were rarely mistaken. The sight of electric blue eased her racing mind.

"Oi, child. What did we say about kicking doors?"

Martha's eyebrows knitted, a stern look taking over as the usual scolding began.

Chapped lips flattened and Ashelia thrust her crossed arms to nudge a wool-covered hip. The woman's gaze landed on the fresh goods brimming from the little girl's small hold.

"Ah, that." Her head moved from side to side, a sigh tumbling out.

Over the course of the past few months, it became customary for the villagers to hand out a piece of their new merchandise, every time they managed to get any, to Ashelia for her to return back to Martha. The latter rolled her eyes before storing away everything, muttering under her breath about how they wouldn't just break the habit.

"Come, eat. You were out and playing on an empty belly for too long, child." The reprimand was clear. Yet, it was warming. Ashelia worried her bottom lip with small, straight teeth before picking up the wooden spoon and slurping the hot soup.

The satisfactory hums alleviated some of the growing restlessness and Martha released a heavy sigh before retreating to bed, deciding to sleep early and avoid all the anxiety. "Clean your bowl when you're done." Her gentle voice echoed in the tiny house as she changed to a linen gray chemise and rid tresses of straight, raven hair from its restricting bun.

"All right," Ashelia mumbled with a mouthful, making sure to take her time savoring the heavenly food, stalling until soft snores reached her attentive ears.

A smirk spread as she rose slowly, careful not to make any noise. Clutching the remaining soup and a slice of bread, tiny feet scurried to the barn. Her hushed shouts elicited excited hoots as Efû emerged from a pile of straws.

'I thought myself forgotten, replaced by stinky, little kids.'

A frown marred her innocent features for a couple of heartbeats as her gaze flitted across his black, sulking form before her body shook with silent laughter.

'I fail to see the humor in the matter, Lia.'

Ashelia absolutely loved her new nickname.

Hunched over, thin arms embraced her aching sides as she continued to stifle amused giggles. A stuttered reply prompted a couple of grumpy hoots and a tiny huff. 'I am not jealous!'

A content sigh left her mouth. She pushed the food toward him, with one hand while the other wiped damp eyelashes. "Whatever you say, Efû."

His head turned to the side as if declining dinner afore the smell invaded his senses and he buried his face in the bowl. Ashelia shook her head at his antics, callous palms stroking his back.

Slowly, her eyelids grew heavy.

Finishing his meal, Efû nestled beside her belly, his purrs lulling them both into deep, blissful slumber, all thoughts of impending danger evaporating until a shout pierced the air and both jolted up.

Ruffled feathers increased his size while mauve irises narrowed.

Her heart thudded hard against rapidly moving ribs. "Efû, stay out of this." She croaked, pushing herself up. No one knew of his existence and she wanted to keep it that way so as to not raise suspicions or unwanted curiosity.

The barn's door creaked, its sounds of protest too deafening in the silence surrounding them. Wincing, Ashelia surveyed the open space carefully, noting the lack of night music offered by the usual rowdy bugs. 

Even the breeze disappeared.

Her heart sunk, knees knocking against each other. Have they found her? But, she killed them. Were there more? A loud gulp pushed down the lump in her throat.

"Let me go, please." The feeble plea squeezed at Ashelia's insides as she froze. "Please, Rhudi. Please..."

Heart-wrenching sobs followed Martha's faltering implorations.

Word count: 1218.

Total word count: 15221.