Creed. Like those words spoken of faith? How interesting. At his question, the dappled woman shook her head. No, these were not her lands to claim, nor did she have any desire to do so. She much preferred to wander, to gather new information, to learn. It was hard to do that sitting still in one place. That kind of life was behind her, at least for now.

She imagined the man would expect a response, some indication of her name. But all he would receive was silence. How unfortunate.

Instead, Devika rose to her feet and stepped closer to the stranger, her tail waving tall and open behind her. She was no threat, not really. Violence did not beget knowledge. She stopped in front of him, leaving only a couple of feet between them. Tilting her head, she studied him with quiet curiosity.

Where was he from? Where was he going? What did he know?

So many questions, all wrapped in such intense silence.