First Contact

Bighorn Basin - Wyoming

Luna approached slowly to ensure there was no cause for alarm. The beautiful horse’s demeanor was friendly, but not completely open to the strangers. One wolf without a pack didn’t bother her in the slightest, but one human was another matter. One human, could be quite problematic so best to be spatially aware. Meanwhile, Whisp was another matter entirely, the overly cautious Barn Owl was hooting at Perrine to take special note of the young girl reaching into her garments; no doubt there was a concealed threat.

Perrine did take note of it and considered it understandable. He considered it prudent that the girl was cautious and did not hold it against her, though he did ask Whisp to sound the alarm should he notice anything that would threaten their well being. Perrine whinnied to Luna and the horse brought the simple open wagon to a halt ten feet from Sophia and Honey. He sat upright calmly and concealed the fact that he was leaned over the seat with one hand previously on a shotgun, just in case. He hid the movement well, but he could expertly ready that Honey was in a protective mode and they would probably not attack unless forced or provoked.

Perrine leaned forward, both empty hands now visible to Honey and Sophia. He smiled. He had a kind, peaceful, and welcoming smile. Strangely enough he looked from Sophia to Honey and addressed the wolf first; out of habit. A series of wolf noises that shouldn’t be possible for a human to do came from him. He was letting Honey know everything was safe and that they were there to help if they accepted, or they would move on if they declined; the choice was theirs to make on their own free will. Honey would perceive the honesty in his voice, animals were perceptive like that.

Then Perrine turned his attention back to Sophia. He took a deep breath and thought for a second. His expression of concentration looked similar to a baby trying to figure out the motor mechanics of lips, tongue and throat to form letters. He was trying to gather his thoughts and think through how to form the words to speak to her. When he did speak, his voice sounded like he had a speech impediment; much like that of a deaf person talking. The words sounded strange to him as they exited his lips, for he could remember a time when he sounded normal.

“Hallo.” He put his hand to his chest. “Perwin, Loona, and Hisp.” He gestured gently to his companions when he introduced themselves. He paused, trying to think on how to answer that required the least amount of talking. It was obvious by now he wasn’t great at it. He gestured behind him to the wagon. “Dewiverin zuplies to peeple en need.” He pointed off into the night to indicate the direction they were heading. “Yu need ift?”