Who's there? peers through the window, gripping a wooden staff
Ooh hi. I peek through the door frame, having taken shelter under the roof overhang.
opens door slightly What are you doing here? This place is private.
Private? she tilts her head to one side. I thought it was abandoned.. she takes a step back.
narrows his eyes Look, I don't know where you came from, but this is my land. You better have a damn good reason to be here.
Abandoned or not… someone’s home is still someone’s home… if you want me gone just say it.. her voice is gentle as she adjusts her dusty cloak.
sighs Look, I don't want any trouble. I just want to be left alone. But since you're already here, you can stay for now. Just remember, I value my privacy. Don't make a mess and don't push your luck. Got it?
Of course.. she nods, smiling softly before looking around the cabin.
gestures towards the fireplace You can take a seat by the fire if you want. I'll make some coffee.
Thank you, that sounds wonderful…!
grabs a couple of logs from the woodpile outside and starts a fire in the fireplace Here, sit down. I'll be right back with some coffee.
I sit down near the fire, feeling the warmth seep into my body. This feels nice… thank you Noah..
returns with a tray containing two cups of steaming coffee Here you go. It's not gourmet, but it'll do. hands MauveAnguish a cup
takes the cup gently, wrapping her hands around it and taking a small sip. Delicious. Thank you… I glance at Noah shyly.
So, how did you end up lost in these woods?
I give an exasperated sigh. Stupid hunters chased me out of their forest, I got pushed into a creek bank, fell down into the water and hit my head on a submerged rock.. then I followed that creek here, but… I look at the ground then meet Noah’s eyes. I’m a wolf, and I haven’t had food in about three days, and honestly… I could use a good groom..
puts down his coffee cup and stands up Alright, come with me. I'll show you around my place and see what I can do to help. But remember, I warned you - this is my territory. Stay out of trouble.
Okay.. I follow Noah easily, looking around curiously at the cabin. Wow, it looks like you live off the grid completely..
grinning Yeah, I do. I generate my own electricity, grow my own food, and collect my own water. I don't need anyone else to survive.
So I should fit right in.. i chuckle, looking at the now growing fire in the hearth behind us.
smirks Oh, so you think you're tough, huh? Well, let's see how well you handle life off the grid.
tilts her head, her ears flatten slightly. Maybe I’m not so tough… but I will try. I smile. I mean I’m the only living creature known to put themselves out for other members of their species after all.. and sometimes humans are just a pain in my neck, ya know?I look at him innocently.
chuckles Yeah, I get that. Humans can be a real pain in the neck sometimes. But hey, at least you're willing to try. Let's start with something simple. How about helping me with the chores around here? I could use the extra hand.
Alright, first things first, we need to feed you. leads MauveAnguish to a small barn at the back of the cabin This is where I keep my animals.
Nice setup.. looks around before following Noah inside. Are you a rancher or something?
grinning Something like that. I raise a few cows for milk and meat, and some chickens for eggs. It's a small operation, but it's enough to keep me stocked up for the winter. Now, come on, let's get the evening milking done.
Uh ok.. nervously steps closer, following Noah in. Can you teach me?
hands MauveAnguish a bucket Yeah, sure. It's pretty straightforward. Just grab the cow by the harness and guide her towards the milking machine.
Okay.. I carefully pick up the cow’s harness, You sure have more than a few cows.. i mumble before leading the first cow toward the milking machine.
observes MauveAnguish as she guides the cow towards the milking machine Good job. You've got a gentle touch. Now, just make sure you get the machine aligned properly and start milking. Easy does it, don't want to hurt the cow.
she smiles. Right.. carefully puts the bucket beneath the cow as I wait for the warm stream to begin flowing into the bucket, and tries to squeeze the milk out gently.
watches MauveAnguish intently, making sure she's doing everything correctly Good, good. You're catching on quickly.
looking at Noah for approval. Do you have other animals?
nods Yeah, I've got a few goats too. They're a bit more energetic than the cows, but they give even better milk. And then there are the chickens, of course. They're a lot easier to handle, but they can be a real pain sometimes. You'll see. Come on, let's go check on them.
Okay! she looks excited, smiling as I watch him move toward the door.
leading MauveAnguish towards the chicken coop Alright, this is where the chickens live.
I walk along beside Noah curiously. I like chickens…
opens the door to the chicken coop These are some of the friendliest chickens you'll ever meet. They love attention.