Layla and Telora_The Walk - Layla and Telora

The Walk

(Layla and Telora)

Tara M. Barrett

The wind blew hard through to door binging the smell of wet earth and dry leaves as they entered. They stood only a moment before moving to the dark empty table farthest from the fire and rest of the patrons. It was a small village at the edge of a river through a forest, far from the scent of the kingship. Just as they preferred.

Telora’s rich auburn curls peaked from the hood of her deep emerald cape while her green eyes danced from face to face. The took in everything while settling Layla into the darkest corner. Loosening the tie of her cloak, she shook the curls free from their confinement to cascade around her heart-shaped face, then tumble over her shoulders down her back. As she draped her cloak over the stool across from Layla, she smiled over to the lean, grey man behind the bar.

“We’re looking for a room and a good meal.”

“Where’s your men?”

“Sadly, he passed a few moons ago and we’re forced to travel alone.”

His eyes narrowed as he took in both women. He did not like the feel of the cloaked statue-like figure in the shadows.

“A round for the house!” Telora smiled, pulling out her large purse and shaking it for emphasis. “I’ll take the best you have!” She bounced a few coins into her hand as she made her way over.

He snapped the top one from the air, quicker than his age might have allowed. He gave her another long look from the side of his eyes as he tested the metal. Satisfied, he slammed it on the counter, grabbed a mug and began to poor. A happy murmur rose from the patrons as they cautiously moved toward the bar, not sure if the offer was real.

Telora smiled, raised her stein, “Good health!”, and took a long draft. She caught the old man poised to pour for an anxious gnarled man. His eyes dropped from hers to the coin left on the bar. Telora placed two of its brothers beside the single and cocked an eyebrow. She watched his eyes meet hers then slide back down. Knowing he would continue; she allowed her eyes to harden and darkened her smile as she dropped another two then turned to her table.

When everyone had a full cup and a couple of sips, the small band struck a local favorite that had all going in. They grey man’s wife mad her way to their table, her hard face tried to smile, “We’ve got stew.”

“A bowl, please.” Telora paused, “Bread?”

“Hard.”

“Fine.”

The hardened woman started to turn away, then “We have one room upstairs.”

“Away from the road?”

“No.”

“Fine.” Telora looked at Layla, closed her eyes, “We can’t be particular.”

Layla nodded slightly, so much so anyone looking would have never noticed. The matron made her way back with two bowls.

Telora reached for one. “Blessings Lady, my friend is tired from the road. But…I am hungry enough for two.”

Laying a coin at the edge of the table. The matron snatched it up eying her like a child accepting sweets from a stranger and retreated to the kitchen shadows. Telora could still feel those eyes on her as she pulled on of the bowls closer. Contents more like water than stew, she managed to find what looked like a small piece of meat. The taste was as bland as it looked. Ripping portions of the bread into the bowl, she managed to finish one. A few of the patrons raised their steins to her with nods and smiles while a question hid in their eyes, hopeful for another round. Telora complied.

“Another round, if you will allow me to sing.”

A chorus of, “Sing! Sing! Sing!”, accompanied her to the bar for refills and her payment.

The strong, clear yet gentle and full voice surrounded the room. Her song, and it could only be her song, spoke of wandering, miraculous moments, vast forests, moonlight dancing on the desert floor and deep, pure waters. There was also a longing sense of loss. Joyous moments rippling with an undertow of pain or weeping on the waves. Telora had returned to her companion and was in the process of asking for their room before the patrons and barkeep recognized the song’s end.

His eyes narrowed at her words and the sound of more coins on the wood. He snatched up the payment while saying his wife would lead them.

After the door closed, Telora busied herself turning down the bed and assisting Layla with her cloak and shoes. Her skin, normally pail with a glow of moonlight had greyed. Telora settled her seated with her cloak folded behind her head against the bed board. Her eyes followed Telora as she removed her own cloak and draped it down over her legs. Telora gently sad beside her on the bed, pulled the red curls away from her neck and pressed her skin to Layla’s lips. There was a small, quick flinch as teeth sunk through the vein. They remained in an almost sacred silence during her feeding.

Telora relaxed back and closed her eyes for a moment to adjust to the loss of blood before sitting up then standing. Gently removing her cloak from Layla, she hung it over the tiny window, adjusting it carefully to block any possibility of light in the event Layla returned to rest and she had slept through sunrise. She remembered how much easier it was when they were three. She could sleep long and sound, rising well before dawn to spend cherished time with Layla. She also had wandering time with Jorn before retiring. She wiped a tear as she remembered his light hansom face, dark blue eyes, and white-blond hair.

“He will always be cherished.”

Her voice startled Telora as she stood behind her and ran a hand down the curled fall of fire. She turned Telora to her and gently whipped the tear away. She held her for as long as she was allowed, always a bit surprised how warm Telora’s skin was after feeding.

“I will be very late.” She said, adjusting a curl away from the brilliant green eyes that watched her. “To be sure there won’t be too many suspicions, I’ll hunt the far side of the previous village.”

“Please be extremely…”

“Yes.” Her ebony eyes danced as a slight smile glowed from her porcelain skin. The grey shadow had faded to only the sharp edges of her cheeks and jawline. She helped Telora to the bed, then faded to a soft mist. “Your song was beautiful. It will be heard.”

Telora drifted in and out of sleep, unsettled by the strange sounds of the room. Aside from cleaning in the kitchen, she could hear cups moving and bouncing on the tables, voices – loud yet undiscernible – in drink fueled conversations with snatches of music and songs. It all seemed to be attached to the excitement of the strangers.

Liam. It whispered to her. Liam. Again, Liam. Ice blue eyes. Liam. Black hair. Liam. She wok. Up from midnight, but the eyes stayed with her. ‘It’s not time yet.’ She thought, tears welling in her eyes.

A loud burst of laughter erupted downstairs. ‘It’s too soon.’

“To Liam!” A cheer from below.

Telora pulled herself from the bed, stumbled toward the door trying to shake off the dream state. She reached for the latched then put her hand flat on the door to support herself. The dream state would not let go. She felt dizzy from the force and power, hazy from lack of deep sleep and weakened from loss. It was too soon, but he was hear. Downstairs. Liam.

He had been hunting, poaching more the word. Three rabbits, which were fine, but “I came across a wounded buck. Damn if I could let it suffer…”

“You’ve always had a good heart.”

“Sure, but then, I couldn’t let it go bad. Now where would the good in that be?”

“To Liam!”

He proceeded to pass out some of the extra to various patrons, making sure each received something. He was fuller, not as lithe as Jorn. Still agile looking, more like a bear than a deer. Jorn was quick as lightening and calculating. Liam seemed just as dangerous, but more deadly. There was a coldness from his eyes beside his black-red hair. The fire guttered, making shadows dance as the minstrels struck a new tune.

Telora slid quietly into the chair Layla had occupied hours prior. With the two walled joined behind her, she pushed her chare closer into the corner to settle and observe. He had an easy smile that talked of comfort and years with others in the room. His eyes softened while speaking with older members of the group. Telora noticed that their portions were somewhat larger than those who were younger. She felt her heart soften a bit, still not ready for change, but knowing all was as it should be.

In her journeys with Layla, there had been others, and each had been necessary to the walk. She lost herself in the memory of Naranbaater soring under the hot, yellow sun, the expanse of his red-gold wings tilting gracefully against the brilliant blue sky as he circled above her.

“I don’t think I know you.” He had approached so quietly, and she had forgotten where she really sat.

‘Not good to get so lost.’ She thought to herself as she smiled brilliantly up at Liam.

“I have just arrived.”

“There’s been talk of travelers…”

“My companion is resting.”

“Shame.” His eyes lowered, “I understand you have a beautiful voice for song.”

“They are very kind…” She caught the barkeep watching intently and flashed a smile. She thought about returning to her room. Close the door and shut everything away. She felt a sigh escape her and took a deep breath. Covering the sound with, “The journey has tired me more than I realized…”

“Of course.” His eyes drifted down, “I had hoped…”

“Yes…yes, of course,” She smiled, “That should lighten my spirit.” Looking at the barkeep. “A round for the house to put up with my voice again…”

Telora moved to the bar while the regulars changed a mix between “sing” and “cheers”. This song, much livelier, filled with adventurous overtones and nighttime escapades had all joining in the chorus. Telora danced around the room, with others joining in then fall away, eventually ending back at her seat by Liam. His smile pulled her in as he reached his hand out to her and they swung around the floor together. His smile was real and full flowing straight into his eyes. His Adam’s apple juggled up and down while he laughed as other patrons did silly dances, joining in the laughter and toasts.

She was winded by the time they danced back to the corner. Her heart lighter than it had been in moons. The barkeep brought over two new steins, “On the house!”

Telora heard a small gasp from the shadows of the kitchen.

“Oh, go away wench! Haven’t had this much dancing in an age…” His eyes narrowed toward the doorway, “Don’t spoil it!”

Molly glared back at Telora as she fell back into the kitchen. Telora now knew both true natures and would watch the rat more carefully.

She had pleasantly lost track of time and sadness. His laughter seemed to carry it, leaving her feeling younger. Not quite the pup she had been when she first met Layla, but much younger and lighter. She felt like racing in the woods against each leave carried by the wind. She wanted to dig up a mouse or vole and juggle it in the air before sprinting to a stream like she had the first time she changed. Liam smiled as he watched her face. There was more color to it than earlier in the evening. Something had changed in her. His curiosity and attraction grew as he watched her eyes. Those eyes seemed to change from almost black to a brilliant emerald and gold. She started slightly as she realized he was still there watching. She smiled impishly and he asked, “Shall we walk?”

The air outside was lighter, sill filled with smoky richness, fresh turned soil with leaves that had already fallen. A soft crunch marked each step as they wandered under a three-quarter moon.

“The sky is brilliant tonight.”

“Not as brilliant as you…oh…”, Liam laughed, “That was…”

Telora gave a full belly laugh, “Yes, it was.” And she giggled again, “But thank you…”

He kissed her.

“I had…”

“I’m glad.’’ She smirked and kissed him back. She laid her head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his arms around her. She breathed deeply letting herself relax against Liam. She closed her eyes and breathed again.

“There’s a stream”. Her eyes flew open and she sniffed the air, “It’s close.”

She turned in his arms and he laughed. Not wanting to let go, he grabbed her hand in one while keeping the other around her waist. They turned together away from the village.

The bank had a soft, gentle slope down to the water. Telora found the center reached about midcalf as she sunk her toes into the pebbles and mud. Liam stood at the edge, laughing, and watching her joyously splash in the water, amazed at the change from only hours before. She had seemed so…lifeless and almost grey. She reached her hands out to him, smiling for him to join her. He laughed, shaking his head no. Her smile broadened, even a blind-deaf man could tell her intent. He let her pull him into the stream trying to avoid being pulled over and drenched. With a slight shift, he caught her into a kiss.

Layla watched from deep inside the surrounding trees as Telora shifted her weight, placed a leg behind his and pushed. They both tumbled flat into the water. Telora’s ears pricked up as she heard soft laughter from the shore. She knew from the lack of scent Layla was near. Liam rose to his feet, cautiously searching and smelling the area.

He had begun to change while he hadn’t noticed either his or Telora’s. The red of her hair had grown down her arms, and Layla knew it continued down her back and legs. She could see the soft whit breast hear through the green dress neck. Telora’s nose and mouth had become long and pointed, while her ear’s lengthened. Liam’s change was less dramatic, but all the signs were there. He had become more solid and his face had rounded. There was only a hint of a muzzle. Dark, short hairs had sprouted on his arms and face. Given enough time, he could learn to accept his dual nature. Layla smiled, “It’s good to hear you laugh again.”

Telora blushed while shaking her head, spraying droplets of water. Liam smirked like a caught child with a cookie. He shook his arms and hands then reached out to help Telora out of the stream. They walked slowly back to the pub. Telora playfully giggled while shaking her hair to spray Liam. He scowled and reached for her. She deftly danced around him to the other side of Layla.

“Don’t put me in the middle, Mischief.” Layla’s voice held a lightness Telora hadn’t heard since Jorn. She paused. Layla took her hand, “I know.”

The slightest smile passed between them. Telora looked quickly at Liam quickly at Liam. “It’s been a long day. We should rest.”

“Will I see you tomorrow?”

“If you wish, we can postpone our departure.”

“I would like that…”

“We will see you tomorrow evening then.” Layla placed her hand on Telora’s arm. Telora nodded. Pausing only for a moment, she stretched to give Liam a gentle kiss on his cheek, then followed Layla into the pub. Inside, Telora made arrangements with the barkeep for the extra lodging before joining Layla. Working together, they placed the bed as close to the west wall as possible and arranged the coverings to keep all light from the space below. Layla sheltered herself in the furthest corner to rest and wait out the sunlight hours. Telora curled up on top of the bedding and fell into a complete and restive sleep.

Sleeping through the morning into mid-afternoon, she hadn’t heard the knocks for breakfast or lunch. She stretched long, arching her back and neck, twisting from side to side working her heart and muscles to the new day of adventure. She dropped to the floor and inched the blanket back to peak in on Layla. Even she could barely hear the soft breathing. As her eyes adjusted, she could see the pale white-blue hand and just a sliver of marble-like face in the corner, she knew her companion rested well. Downstairs she nodded to the barkeep. He smiled a genuine and warm smile. She wondered if he would still be happy if they took Liam with them when they left. She thought about the day she left home. She had been betrothed to the lord of the land as his second wife shortly after his first had died. She remembered gossip and suspicion. Whispers that her father had aided in Melandra’s death somehow to gain favor and status. Both her father and the lord set up groups to search with their hounds. She might have been found had they been running a hunt, but her new mix of scents confused the poor animals. She watched from behind a root snag in the riverbank as both man and dog searched desperately.

Outside she felt the cool warmth of the afternoon sun. The smell of dried leaves and must tickled her nose. She could also smell the changes in Liam. His scent was heavier, more musky, deeper in nature than human alone. She almost feared the strength in his scent. If he chose to walk with them, he would be a formidable companion. She wandered through town following each smell as it led her around the small gardens and homes, then out the other side. They led her through a sunbaked meadow that was just beginning to green again from autumn rains. Seeds and dried leaves collected on her leggings and tunic hem as she passed through to a forest line. Here path led her up to a rocky out cropping where Liam lay watching the clouds drift. She watched him silently, just inside the tree shadows. He raised his head sniffing the air then jumped down and walked directly to Telora.

“How did you find me?”

“Same way you found me.” Telora smiled and cocked her head waiting for the inevitable conversation to begin. He stammered with all the whys and what’s and how’s.

“I can’t explain everything, but there are those of us that can live two lives. We can change and recognize it in others, just like you did today. Some awaken and find it freeing, others fight it or ignore it. Some cannot accept and end badly, either by misfortune or their own hand.” She paused looking into his face, watching his eyes run the full extent of emotions. “You have choices. My choice was easy, imprisonment in an unwanted marriage or freedom. I’ve never looked back.”

He shifted slightly beside her, looking down to the ground then up to the clouds and treetops. “So, how, what…I think…damn…Fur?”

She laughed softly and smiled, “Do you want to see?”

He stood blinking at her, “Um…a…yeah.”

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“You can’t shoot me or send hounds for me.”

“Uh, “he shook his head no, “I won’t.” he smiled lopsidedly.

She took a deep-centering breath, sat back against the tree, and closed her eyes. The red of her hair seemed to curl around and around her arms. Her nose and mouth pushed forward, joining to form her red and white muzzle and little black nose. Her eyes, still large maintained their emerald brilliance. They took in the amazement from Liam’s face. She hesitated slightly as he shifted, and she saw uncertainty in his features. His eyes widened and his breathing quickened but then he smiled, slowly reaching his hand to touch her arm. As he brushed the fur down to her hand, she completed her change. She stood in front of him on all fours. Swishing her tail, she performed a springing leap and dashed around him like a playful pup. Gaging his expression, she watched carefully for any hesitancy or rise in stress.

He felt he was dreaming. That was it, a dream. The beautiful songbird melted into a fox and sat laughing at him playfully. He watched her cock her head to one side then the other. He laughed and she sprinted in a circle around him like a puppy ready for play. Picking up a pinecone, he tossed it into the treas. He watched her shift back into her dress.

“I don’t play fetch.” Her words shattered the dreamlike state and he sat down hard. More like his legs had buckled under him.

“That…” he started slowly, “that, that was real…” His pupils dilated then varied between pinpricks to his full eye. Telora reached slowly toward his hand. He shuttered and jerked it away.

“I know this can be a bit…”

“You what..?”

She took a deep breath, crossed her feet, and slowly sat in front of him.

“I understand.” She said softly.

“I don’t think you do! I just…”

“Not all of us know.” She said very softly, weary of any sudden moves. “Some do, very few…some suspect or dream. But most have no idea.” She looked down at her hands then into Liam’s eyes. “Not all will ever…”

His eyebrows knit and his eyes narrowed to slits. “No! It’s a trick.” His face went from anger, to confusion and back. “Go away.” He whispered, but his eyes shouted with pure hatred.

She stood and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

She could still hear the pain and confusion in his yell ringing through her head she checked on Layla once she arrived in the room. Daylight was ebbing. Layla’s breathing had deepened with the change to twilight. Telora sat on the floor, crumpled with her head against the bed.

She must have slept, dreaming of the others before. Jorn’s accident. It shouldn’t have happened. The pain of putting him down. She felt Layla’s hand on her shoulder and struggled to consciousness.

“You need food.” She said softly. Telora felt drained and weak. She had never gotten use to that part of her nature which is why she always chose to eat as a human.

“I’ll ask if something can be brought up.” Layla avoided contact with the villagers and the offer touched Telora so much, she struggled not to cry.

“I can…” The knock cut her short. Layla laid a hand on Telora’s shoulder.

“It’s been two days. You can’t stay! Open this door, NOW!”

A low, throaty growl came from behind the high-pitched, strident voice. Telora looked quickly at Layla, confused by the loss of time and noises beyond the door.

“Liam, what…”

“Stand away from that door” There was no anger in the voice, but the threat was clear without seeing his face.

“They have to LEAVE!” her voice shrill.

“Move, Molly.”

The room filled with the scent of musk. Layla stood calmly between the door and bed, while Telora worked to keep her legs under her.

“What is your decision?” The weight of Layla’s question collapsed Telora’s legs as she fell back to the bed.

“I give my strength to you, wherever the walk leads.”

Images flowed through Telora’s mind. Fights and fires. Singed fur and knives. She knew there would always be broken moments, things better left black, but she also knew Liam was truly with them in the walk.