His ears shifted toward her alarm, regretting his choice of words instantly; he'd meant to reassure her but he could see how she came to the opposite conclusion.
No, no forgive me
he murmured, offering a faint apologetic smile,
I merely meant that fleeing might encourage a chase, even if it doesn't intend to harm us. I think remaining calm is our best course of action
though he couldn't promise their safety, he hoped his composure might offer some sense of comfort.
At her second question, his head tilted slightly
Not in my experience, no. Though there is much about these lands I do not understand
his gaze wandered briefly toward the darkened canopy, searching for another glimpse of the creature. The tales of his homeland spoke of the Nue as an ill omen, a harbinger of misfortune whose cries once troubled even an emperor. Yet Haruto had always wondered whether such creatures were truly responsible for the calamities attributed to them, or merely witnesses.
In the stories I was taught, its appearance was believed to foretell disaster,
he explained quietly, keeping a hushed whisper
But stories have a way of changing with every telling. I would rather understand what's before us than condemn it for something that happened centuries ago
A soft rustle interrupted his thoughts, followed by something brushing against the back of his neck. Haruto startled despite himself, his shoulders jerking as he turned sharply toward the sensation. A single dark feather drifted past his muzzle, settling soundlessly upon the forest floor between them. Somewhere directly above their heads came a low wavering note and Haruto's ears flattened, taking a step closer to Tsukiko before catching himself.
