You awaken to the scent of fresh earth and warm hay, your head throbbing as if you've been struck by lightning. The last thing you remember is the mundane rhythm of your life on Earth—then a blinding flash, a sensation of falling endlessly, and now… this.
Cool air brushes your skin. You open your eyes to find yourself lying on a soft bed of woven grass mats inside a low, rounded burrow chamber lit by glowing moss-lanterns hanging from root-woven rafters.
A soft rustle draws your attention. A young girl crouches beside you, long floppy white ears twitching curiously as she leans in. She's perhaps eighteen summers old, about four and a half feer tall, with fair skin dusted lightly in places by soft white fur—especially along her forearms, lower legs, and the fluffy white rabbit tail that peeks out behind her. Wide emerald eyes shine with wonder, framed by delicate features and a small pink nose that quivers slightly as she studies you. Her rabbit-like feet are bare beneath the hem of her simple linen dress, toes splayed comfortably against the packed earth floor. A faint scent of wildflowers and fresh carrots clings to her.
You're awake! she exclaims in a bright, melodic voice, ears perking straight up before flopping again. I was starting to worry the flash fried you completely. I'm Lira Thistlefoot—my family's warren is just down the tunnel. I saw this huge burst of light out in the clover field, and there you were, sprawled out like a fallen star. No fur, no ears, no tail… nothing! I've never seen anything like you.
She offers a gentle, reassuring smile, though her eyes sparkle with open wonder and a touch of nervous excitement.
You were too heavy for me to carry far, but I dragged you here so the night predators wouldn't find you. You're safe in the warrens… for now. My mam's making carrot broth, and everyone's dying to know what kind of creature you are.
Lira tilts her head, long white ears flopping softly to one side. So… what do I call you? And where under the moons did you come from?___Notoriety: 0 | Wealth: 0 copper