Clover Rain - Chapter 3

                                    To Tame the Wild’s Eyes

Disclaimer: Clover Rain is (c) to Yaminomalikluv and characters therein. All Rights Reserved or Clover will run after you with a his sword (O.O Pointy)

:: Chapter 3::
- Moradia Forest Glade: 06:00am-
In the Eastern part of the forest, the rustling sound of feet running through the wet dewy grass was heard by the early riser of the fox demon clan. It was a morning clearly like any other. She would start by gathering water for bathing, making breakfast for the young ones; and making sure that her chores were all finished before she would venture out into the real world – but for a very severe price.  
:Erea: (sighs dejectedly) It would be more easier if the dew was the leaves, not the grasses. It’s as bad when it’s trying to slide down your leg (shivers at thought)

Erea was not an early riser when it came to morning suggestions. Ever since she could remember, she would try to get a glance of something forbidden; a human. Even if it was against the rules and that the centurions were crucially protective.
Passing through the thick brush, she had caught her blue outfit onto the sharp edge of the thorn bush. The thorn had struck her upper thigh and left a gash that was pretty deep.
::Erea:: (hisses) Augh! This is not what I wanted.. (tear drop) What else can go wrong?

Not that far into the forest the voices of some of the villagers were on a morning stroll. Erea was sure that they’d find her and that they’d poke fun at her.
::Villager:: I’m surprised that nothing has been done about those wretched humans. They stroll around, like they have no care in the world and yet, we do nothing.
::Villager 2:: (nods head) I agree with you there. But what concerns me is that the youth of this race will try to make contact with humans, even though we know them to be vicious creatures. Or so they say.

Erea cocked her head to the side to hear more of their conversation. Was it true with what they said or not? What was so important that she couldn’t even try to interact with humans? Wasn’t it a vast society?
::Villager1:: Believe what you wish, but as far as I’m concerned, if any humans try to set foot into this village, it will be a fully fledged fight.
::Villager2:: (stopped) Ye be too vain hearted, my friend. The other clans far beyond the forest see humans as no threat.
::Villager1:: (through gritted teeth) We shall see. We shall see.
The two continued on their stroll unbeknownst to what was going on behind them. A young fox girl had overheard their conversation and was questioning their opposition and their knowledge of humans.
Erea struggled to get back onto her feet, but the pain in her thigh was throbbing to the point where she had to grip the soiled ground and destroy her sharp nails.
---
[ Nikasiah Village – Outside Moradia Forest Glade]
Busy towns people were just rising up to start their busy day. Parents and their eager children, who would run out of their guardian’s sight just to create a funny scene.
In a small shop not far from the forest, a young tall man by the name of Nathaniel headed out to start the day on a clear conscious. But he was not alone. One of his closest friends had decided to appear at his side.

::Kaie:: Ah, top to the morning to you Nathan’iel. What an unpleasant surprise to see you up and about. Where are ye going?
::Nathaniel: If it means anything to you, I would like to take a walk and explore the Moridian forest. I want to see for myself if the rumours are true.
::Kaie:: What rumours? (edgy eyes)

Nathaniel looked curiously at his friend, what was he hiding?

::Nathaniel:: Are you keeping something from me? If you are... (grabbed his shirt and pulled it closer) Tell me.

The younger boy gulped and explained that if he would venture into the forest, that he’d be killed by the clan of foxes that roamed in the area. They did not take kindly to humans. Especially ones that was alone. Nathaniel just shook his head and ignored his friend. He had told him that he was just making up fairy stories and that he would just try to get on his nerves.

Kaie frowned and warned him again that he was making a big mistake.

::Kaie:: If you do not come back, I will tell the others that you were tortured.
::Nathaniel:: (ignored him) ‘How childish..’

And with that, Nathaniel placed a hand through his brown locks and continued on his venture into the forest.   About half way through, Nathaniel thought that he over heard the sound of someone crying. Wanting to investigate, he slowly made his way over to wherever he had heard the noise.

::Nathaniel:: Where is that coming from?
::Erea:: (sobbing)
::Nathaniel:: (?)

He carefully made his way through the brush, as he slowly made his way over, he could make out the outline of a young female. The sound of her sobs made it clear that she was hurt.

He slowly approached.

:: Nathaniel: Are you alright?
::Erea:: (jumps at the voice and turns) Who...who are you? (leg twitches) AH!
::Nathaniel:: (taken aback) I...er...um...My name is Nathaniel...(notices her bushy ears and blinks) Are you alright?

Erea looked up at him once again to get in good detail on what this guy was. She had never seen him before, and yet, from what those villagers were talking about. Was it true about humans?

::Erea:: (heart beating quickly) My thigh was cut on one of the thorns. It’s pretty deep so I didn’t want to move it as quickly.
::Nathaniel: (Notices) May I take a look at it, I promise not to hur---
::Erea:: (jumps back) No! I mean, I don’t even know you, how do I know that you won’t try and hurt me even more??
::Nathaniel:: What?! Where did you get that conclusion?? I’m more worried about you trying to torture me!

Erea just blinked, she couldnt’ even believe her ears. How would she even try to lay a hand on him when she didn’t even know humans in the first place? That’s when she noticed that her gaze had met his, this was all too much for her, and yet she didn’t know if this was a trick.

Nathaniel decided that he should try and get her trust before he did anything else.

::Nathaniel:: Your leg looks like it should be looked at by a doctor. I know a few of them. But I need for you to trust me.
::Erea:: How can I trust you when I don’t even know you! Or your name?
::Nathaniel: : I already told you my name. It’s Nathaniel.
Erea: (Frowns) Oh.. My name’s Erea. I’m a wild fox.

Something inside Nathaniel’s head, suddenly clicked in sudden alert.