Chapter 327: Chapter 327 - Natural Light, Natural Hiding Spots
***[POV: Cave Curious Citra]***
The crew worked to break down lighting equipment and pack away cameras and other final props back into their protective cases - or stuffed in the enclosed trailers depending on how sensitive the item. None of them looked unhappy to be doing so.
After three days of shooting near a campsite in the wilderness, everyone was eager to return to civilization. Things had been busy and successful for the most part, trying to make use of everyone’s dedication of their time.
However, I found myself reluctant to leave for reasons that had nothing to do with my modeling results - or the phone call this morning - and everything to do with the cave entrance I’d spotted on the second day. One that glowed on the system map with a marker.
> 9.8/10 rating for after the apocalypse. I need to explore it soon. <
In all my time glancing at | Survivor’s Wisdom |, I’d never seen a location that I may be able to use rated so highly. While I may have been sure to find it if I’d just dedicated myself to exploration alone, it felt a little gratifying that it came paired with my decision to keep up with this ’work experience’.
"Quite a view, isn’t it?"
His voice broke me from my thoughts and I turned to find the ’park ranger who’d been consulting on the shoot. Tall, broad-shouldered, and approaching me with an easy smile. Brassy blonde hair with the kind of weathered handsomeness that came from spending most of his time outdoors.
Grant something-or-other. I’d caught his name on the first day but hadn’t paid much attention beyond noting he was a full werewolf of the Rimecoat pack. Finally another of their number who seemed... normal.
Pleasant, even. Though his work keeps him out of Vossden for long periods. Or so I learned when I cornered and asked the two security wolves still keeping at the edges of the work area.
"It really is. I can understand why they chose this location."
Such small talk felt quite unnecessary at this point. I’m sure such question and answer has been done out here by everyone *to* everyone so much by now that no one is sure who they have and haven’t been so trite with.
"This region has more than just the lovely forests. Cave systems around here are some of the most extensive in the state. Been exploring them since I was a teenager."
He gestured toward the limestone cliffs visible through the trees as my pulse quickened. Maybe I was staring in that direction too hard. I need to be more discreet about this.
"Most people drive right past the parks and camps without realizing what’s back there. And most hikers rightly steer clear of holes in the ground."
"Are they not safe to explore?"
"For someone with... limited experience? Depends on the person, but I wouldn’t recommend going solo."
> I’ve been roaming into caves since before you were born! <
My wolf rolls its eyes at me in the mindscape. Even it knows that it is perfectly valid to think some model that was wearing the sort of city-look outfits which the brand was having me do out here might have no history like mine.
> But that doesn’t mean I can’t get upset in here for being underestimated. Deal with it. <
His brown eyes studied my face that I hope isn’t showing my displeasure. I’d seen them glowing orange once, at night, when I startled him that first day by moving up from downwind. Which is how I knew his pack affiliation before making sure.
"You thinking about coming back for some spelunking? The main tourist routes are well-marked and maintained. But there are deeper sections that can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing."
"Maybe. It doesn’t sound that interesting."
Lying through my teeth, I reach into my pocket and start to fix my hair into twintails. The stylist on hand here wasn’t as kind as Eddie, only brushing it out and moving on.
Which is fine - considering there were four models to handle today and only two hair experts. Plenty of photographers and certain staff, but a little lacking on some support elements considering the location.
"I could show you around sometime. The guided sections only scratch the surface of what’s really down there."
The offer had a hopeful undertone as he adjusted his ranger’s hat. Grant had been finding reasons to check on my side’s setup throughout the shoot. Ostensibly to ensure we weren’t disturbing any protected species or leaving behind anything.
> But his attention has been set on me. A little more than the usual attraction to my human form... well, at least he’s being subtle and not pushy about it. <
"That’s very generous. I’ll think about it. Though I should warn you, I have a tendency to wander off on my own and... a few other interests that may not align with yours."
"Independent spirit. I can respect that. Just promise me you won’t go exploring alone on your first trip. These hills can be unforgiving if you’re not prepared - and part of my job is keeping nature and us from interacting in destructive ways."
"Citra!"
Anise’s shout carried across the busy clearing, and I turn to see her waving me over. She’d shown up earlier without warning to watch the last part of things - and apparently to be my ride back to the city. Spending longer than a workday to drive here and back does seem rather like something I might not have done in her place.
> Especially when I assured her I would be fine returning with the group... <
"The photographer wants to review the final shots with you before you go."
I nodded, already moving toward her and grateful for the social escape route. He seems nice enough. The kind of person people would definitely call a ’Nice Guy’.
Which makes him even more someone I couldn’t afford to be too friendly with. Because I don’t know if he is just as amiable and gossipy with people that may be my enemies
He certainly talked to the other models and staff kindly even when they did not praise me so much. I’m well aware that I have been distracted in the morning and the evenings.
> Yet my photos still come out better than theirs, so I’m not sure why they complain to others instead of working on themselves. <
Vrika does actually bark and howl in agreement. It didn’t like what it heard when I eavesdropped, either. Not that I intended to do anything about it other than hold my head high.
But the caves... those were worth pursuing. Another day, when I did not have a friend who is quite coincidentally keeping me from them because I can’t possibly ask her to just leave without me.
...Right?