Forest shadows..

Recoil woke to the aroma of meat roasting.

Vladimir invited her to the fire, holding out his knife with a cut of tender flesh at its end..

She accepted it, and they sat together eating by the flames.

What meat is this she asked?

Last night, he replied, "I hunted wolves." - he pointed at the meat and continued – "Deep in the forest."

Her eyes widened. "Wolves!"

He had continued eating, she did too, frowning as she watched him.

After the meal, they kicked dirt over the fire.

Then they walked again.

The forest trees were cool and shadowy sun-light barely penetrated its leaves.

They walked together satiated with their fill of roast meat, and happy.

For hours they headed in the direction of Belokurikha.

Recoil noticed a shadow unlike the others keeping up with them, in the peripheral - she pointed into the trees at it. "What is that!" She exclaimed

The dark shape, as if hearing her quickly disappeared.

The kept walking.. As they walked through the day it kept its distance always just far enough to be indistinguishable but on occasions visible.

Recoil felt anxious at the shadow following her watching her..

But Vladimir only smiled… enjoying the forest shade..

"I can't tell what it is he replied, hmmpnph!! Don't worry so much, a large beast, perhaps."

Then he continued walking.