That was embarrassing...
"If you're hungry, there's some nice, juicy strips of meat over by the fire. It's not much, but we won't starve before this storm lets up. I was only planning for me and the dragon for about three days."
"I understand," Dakota nodded and gave her a scrutinizing look. "Did you thank the deer for its sacrifice?"
Well, no, Dai, I just kind of stabbed it and hauled it in here, Shanku sarcastically snapped internally and then smiled sweetly. "Yes."
"Good. It should be plenty. Our early autumn snow storms aren't very long. We should be fine."
"Good, because I'm starting to think I didn't find enough wood either," Shanku laughed. "So, how'd you end up in this hole?"
"I was sent to scout around the edges of our territory. The wind was a bit fiercer than I expected and I got lost in the snow," he shrugged. "What are you doing here?"
"The short of it is that I like explore and I hadn't been north yet," Shanku smiled, a twinkle in her eye. "I am Shanku. Shanku Ravenwing of the Feral Sylvan clan Scissortail."
"I am Dakota, of the Imnek Arctic clan Iceling," he smiled for the first time since his arrival. "Nice to meet you."
"You too," Shanku nodded.
"Kriii," the dragon trilled.
"And who is she?" Dakota asked.
"Dunno. Haven't named hi—, ah, her, yet and if she already has one, she hasn't told me."
Dakota leaned over to the dragon. "How do you feel about 'Innugati'?"
The little dragon cocked her head to one side and then the other. With a nod, she buzzed her little wings so she could climb up on Dakota's head.
"I think she likes it," Dakota said.
Notes & Commentary
May 1, 2014, Thursday
That was embarrassing...
Those are vines around the deer. Shanku isn't in the habit of carrying rope. Yet.
Yup, it's a she. Kind of hard to tell on reptiles sometimes.
Let's temporarily ignore the "update on Thursdays" thing and focus on "once a week" or "50 pages a year". Still struggling with timing around the new job. Technically, I'm working three. First and foremost, I'm a freelance artist. Doesn't always get to come first, but I want it to. Second, I'm still employed at the tax firm and have some bookkeeping duties. Third, I'm a receptionist/accountant at heating and cooling company. Keeps the bills paid, but barely.
I need a vacation. 
Since I do have extra income, I don't have as much pressure to gain commissions, so I'm lowering the bar on the amount needed for bonus short stories. Also, I'm sending out newsletters now on art.raven-wing.net, so go sign up for a coupon code each month if you're thinking about ordering a commission from me. I only send out six emails a year, so your inbox isn't going to get blown up. I'm not too fond of spam myself!
Characters - Shanku Ravenwing - Innugati - Dakota -
Tags - Just Another Day -
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