A Dash of Demise

Ch 2: A big bad Wolf

A/N: Red's first outfit/ her long scarlet guard cloak~

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Red POV

I hummed a little tune to myself as I skipped through the forest trail, basket swinging slightly in my grip.

I saw a bunny a while back, cute with a fluffy whit cotton tail. It put me in a good mood. I had named him Mr Hoppers.

The north woods was actually quite pleasant, the wildlife is vibrant unlike most of the royal forests, animals are abundant and the greenery is beautiful.

It was like walking through a storybook.

....how unfortunate that they refused to comply with the crown all those years ago.

One would think the generations of wolf people would get smarter as they continued on but they remain stubborn and foolish.

The woods are dirty and filled with sickness. Why would anyone want to live in such a place?

I paused in my tracks, my musing having been caught. Well I do suppose the wolf people are already diseased. And as part dog they would need a place to run and play.

I giggled to myself as a picture of a giant wolf playing fetch with a stick crossed my mind.

They could still have had the woods under the crowns name if they so wished.

I don't think I would want fleas  in my carpet if they were allowed on palace grounds so that would suit me best.

Fleas are not cute. And they carry disease.

...I wonder if the wolf disease is carried by flea.. my nose wrinkled, If Julius gets me turned into a big ugly dog a few dresses wont be nearly enough payment.

Deciding that if I simply stood there pondering my possibility of being turned into a beastie, I would grow old before I left these woods, I started on the path again.

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I frowned at shadows. Its growing late and my shoes got scuffed, yet I have yet to see the old woman's cottage. I know I did not take a wrong turn, for I ran into a young man on his way back from the cottage. He was rather vulgar and missing a few teeth.

I didn't like him.

But besides that I haven't seen another soul, human or wolf.

...and I dressed up special just to meet them, in the dress the prince bought me with pretty jewelry made of pure silver and a lovely blue bow in my hair. I even tightened the red curls around my face and re applied some of my powder.

Yet, I have not once come across a big bad wolf to try and eat my cute little self.

I pursed my lips in irritation, why even bother dressing up if there is no one there to admire how cute you are?

My grip tightened on the basket. Well. Maybe the wolf people of the north woods are shy around cuteness.

Perhaps I should have left my Scarlet Guard cloak at home...

It blocks my dress.

Just as I was debating why my trip was lacking in wolfey I noticed two tan and rather rugged looking men on the path.

Maybe these are wolfs?

They are tall and rather large.

Most wolfs are tall and bulky.

They looked me over as I approached.

I smiled sweetly, "good afternoon gentlemen."

They glanced at one another before wishing me a good afternoon.

The tallest ones eyes landed on the crown clasp of my cloak for a brief moment, "are you lost miss?"

laughing lightly I shrugged, "not quite yet, although I am enjoying myself. These woods would be so lovely for a picnic one day."

The second man just looked confused, "...a picnic in the woods?"

"oh yes, with tea and little sandwiches and cute little bunnies and baby deer to keep me company."

The first one nodded, "right...is that whats in the basket? your picnic? its a little far in to be picnicking."

"No, no picnic for me today I'm afraid." After a brief moment of silence I smiled up at the men, "Would you like a cookie?"

They peered into the basket I held out, spotting the heart shaped treats.

"They're cinnamon with apple Jam. I do promise they are to die for."

The taller mans eyes narrowed, "did you give the poor fool dead on the road a cookie?"

My lips parted, "a dead man? Oh my..do you think it is safe?"

"..depends on who you are miss, why did you say you were in the woods again?"

I smiled gently, "I didn't."

He rose a brow.

"I'm delivering these," I shook the basket a bit, "to my dearest grandmama."

He hesitated for only a slight second, "oh. well. be careful then. These woods can be dangerous."

I nodded once still holding out the basket, "so would you?"

"Would we what?"

I giggle a bit, "like a cookie silly."

"Ah.." he scratched the back of his head, "sorry, I'm not too fond of apples."

Damn it. I sighed softly, "strawberry next time then."

"Right..."

As I turned to go I looked up at the two tall men, "you be careful now too gentleman. There are wolves in these woods."

They nodded rigidly as I spun and began to skip off, giggling to myself.

He asked the wrong question. I didn't give the dead fool a cookie.

I gave him two.

But it truly was unfortunate that they found the body so soon and that they dislike apples.

Who dislikes such a lovely fruit?

If they had taken the cookies and just on little bite my problem would be solved.

...but now they are sure to tell their little pack that a girl in a Scarlet Guard cloak was wondering deep into the woods. which in turn will put me on a time crunch.

I do hope I get at least one cup of tea in after the old woman's passing before they reach the cottage. It's been a long walk and I would rather like to rest my feet.