Dappled ears flicked at the voice that broke the forest’s hush. Ice-blue eyes swept the clearing, landing on a large male among the trees. Most might have found his stature imposing, but Devika felt only intrigue. His speech pattern was odd, unfamiliar to her even after all her travels. Fascinating.

The Painted Ghost moved silently through the undergrowth, weaving closer to the stranger. She stopped at a respectful distance, raising her tail, not in submission, nor in challenge, but simply open to the encounter. Tilting her head, she studied him, prodding him with a curious, steady gaze.

Moments like this made her wonder how different things would be if she could speak. If she could share her questions, her thoughts… But the thought passed quickly. She had long since accepted the limits of her silence.

Lowering herself into a sit, she lifted a paw in a small, deliberate gesture, inviting him to continue. She was certain he carried knowledge she wished to absorb. His presence was calm, his words echoing in her mind even after they fell quiet.

Would he speak again, she wondered, or would he think her silence a mockery? It wouldn’t be the first time others had mistaken her muteness for insolence. A frustrating reality she had learned to endure.