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+--- Thread: Duck Lake the grass is growing on top of my feet (/showthread.php?tid=64198)
the grass is growing on top of my feet - Forsythia - December 28, 2024
rarely did she go this far from kvarsheim.
there was never a need to. yet the world there grew more silent than she cared for. perhaps that was her mother's spirit shining within her. perhaps it was that which acted like a north star and beckoned her away from safety into the unknown.
only for a little while, only for a glimmer at the world beyond.
the lake was lackluster in the endless similar hues of winter. yet she was not blind to all the signs of life that surrounded this place. some crossing, some lingering.
she set out to find the freshest scent. unconcerned with who or what it might be.
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Cole - December 28, 2024
Cole moved with a steady purpose, his paws crunching softly against the frozen earth as he wound through the territory. The patrol was second nature by now, a rhythm he fell into with ease. He had a knack for knowing where the subtle changes in the land occurred, where trails crossed, and which areas needed the sharp eye of a guard.
The lake was one of his favorite stops along the way. Even in the stark winter, it offered a kind of tranquility that felt removed from the weight of his duties. The icy sheen glinted under the pale sunlight, and the surrounding stillness made it seem untouched by time.
But today, something new lingered on the air—a faint, youthful scent carried on the cold breeze. His ears flicked forward, the sharpness of his senses attuned to the unfamiliar presence. A young girl. Alone, by the smell of it.
His muscles tensed slightly, and his stride quickened as he followed the trail, his nose low to the ground. It wasn’t long before he caught sight of her—a small figure against the backdrop of the frozen lake. She moved with a quiet curiosity, her gaze intent on something unseen.
Cole cleared his throat softly, stepping into view.
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Forsythia - December 28, 2024
in an instant she was snapping around, quick and pointed. worried that something bad had come for her. wouldn't it always be that way?
wasn't the next terrible thing always right around the corner?
it was always someone bigger too. granted it was easy to outsize someone as small as petal. a girl who lingered just on the cusp of tiny, it seemed.
the only thing that halted something sour coming from her was his scent.
you're from bearclaw valley?
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Cole - December 28, 2024
Cole’s brow arched slightly at her quick reaction, though he didn’t move to close the distance between them. He stood firm but unthreatening, giving her the space she clearly needed.
Yeah,he replied after a brief pause, his tone low and even, meant to steady rather than intimidate. The girl’s size—or lack thereof—didn’t go unnoticed, but there was a spark in her sharp movement that hinted at resilience beneath her small frame.
What about you?he asked, his gaze steady but curious, wondering what had led someone so young to this place. She smelled of a pack, but he couldn't place which one.
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Forsythia - December 28, 2024
he had not come to visit and so she did not fault him for not knowing.
and it felt good to have some kind of upper hand. even if only in brief knowledge.
kvarsheim.this informed with a swing of her head back where they both came from.
we are neighbors.allies? that she did not know, but she knew they must be friendly enough.
how is the valley?
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Cole - December 28, 2024
Cole tilted his head slightly, a low hum escaping his throat as he considered her words. Kvarsheim—a name that rang familiar, though he hadn’t crossed its borders himself. His tail gave a slow flick, thoughtful.
The valley is plentiful,he said simply, his amber gaze steady on her. There was a faint warmth in his tone, a pride for his home that didn’t need embellishment. Bearclaw had always provided, even in the harsher months.
But what of Kvarsheim?he asked, shifting his weight slightly, favoring his uninjured leg.
And what’s got you wanderin’ out here? Don’t seem like the best time for a stroll.His eyes lingered on her, curious but not unkind, waiting for her answer.
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Forsythia - December 28, 2024
plentiful.
a word that blooms jealousy within her so vibrant that she feels acid in her throat. good for them, a bitter thought. she liked them. she truly did. it was just...
a soft breath.
i wander to check the wildlife.it had not been exactly what drove her from safety, but it was not a lie.
i watch the deer in kvarsheim. i watch the foxes in the glade. the birds at this lake.
why are you out here?
it seemed only fair to return the question.
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Cole - December 29, 2024
Cole huffed softly, his breath curling in the crisp winter air as he shifted his weight. He gave the girl a nod, as if acknowledging her careful watch over Kvarsheim’s creatures.
Patrolling,he said after a pause, his voice steady and low.
Might’ve been looking for some ducks, too. Good eating if you’re lucky enough to catch ‘em.He glanced toward the lake, his sharp gaze sweeping over its frozen edges as if expecting movement.
His attention returned to her, thoughtful but unintrusive.
Wildlife’s good to watch,he added, almost an afterthought.
Keeps you grounded.He tipped his head slightly, curious but not pressing.
What brought you all the way out here, though? Just the birds?
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Forsythia - December 29, 2024
patrolling?
was bearclaw so plentiful that it expanded into the glade now too? she was too reclusive to understand whatever deals might have been made between packs. yet she cannot help the foreboding feeling in her stomach. the desire to take her sisters and leave this valley behind.
she trusted her mother to find them no matter where they went.
yes.the answer is clipped by internal anxiety, but she forced herself to at least look stoic. even if she could not completely sound as such.
isn't it important to bearclaw too to know what's going on in our...ecosystem? so that you don't over hunt with your plentifulness.
the last word was certainly bitter.
and the apologetic look that quickly consumed her would give away that she felt guilt for it.
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Cole - December 29, 2024
Cole tilted his head, a wry grin tugging at the corners of his mouth as he caught the edge in her tone. Her bitterness wasn’t lost on him, and he decided to meet it with a touch of humor.
You’re not wrong,he replied, his voice light but steady, the faintest smirk playing on his features.
Knowing what’s what keeps everything running smooth. But don’t worry—we’re not here to empty the pantry. Just taking stock.
His amber gaze lingered on her, measuring her expression, the way her shoulders tensed as though guarding something fragile.
Plentiful or not, balance matters. Can’t let the valley fall to ruin now, can we?he added, his tone softer, laced with understanding.
Then, with a slight shrug, he gestured out toward the expanse.
Besides, nothing wrong with a little company out here. Even if it’s grudging.
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Forsythia - December 29, 2024
in her mind is the voice of a man.
"Nothing is yours except what you can take. And if someone else can take it from you, it isn't yours."
she can't help but worry, she can't help but feel prickles of some age-old instinct. his reassurance is nice and she knows that kvarsheim is not exactly feeding an army but...
not grudging. unless you are.she pointed back but allowed there to be some befuddled amusement in her voice now.
maybe we should coordinate something. for kvarsheim and bearclaw valley.
and why did petal feel the need to stick her nose into it? perhaps for some taste of control or certainty that things were good between them.
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Cole - December 29, 2024
He wasn’t one to admit it outright, but damn, the girl might have a point. Coordinating could stave off any accidental tensions and keep things running smooth-like. A damn good idea, even if it came from someone barely old enough to patrol her own borders.
Shit,he muttered under his breath, leaning back on his haunches, his amber eyes scanning the glade as though seeing it with fresh eyes.
That may just be a damn good idea.
He shifted his weight, offering a low, thoughtful grunt.
You got the brains for it, kid. Guess you’re not just wanderin’ around out here for the hell of it, huh?The edges of his mouth quirked, almost a smile but not quite, as he watched her for a reaction.
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Forsythia - December 29, 2024
i still am.
her tail waved with merry amusement behind her. maybe a bit prideful. it felt good to be quick, to think as fast as she could and make something from it.
i just also know an opportunity when i see it.a little shrug of small, bony shoulders.
you and i, we can meet back here again. maybe see how our leaders feel about it first.granted she could not foresee them being upset about any kind of community event held between them.
after all, hadn't basically the whole world come together for a hunt in the wilderness beyond the mountains?
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Cole - December 29, 2024
Cole tilted his head slightly, an easy grin spreading across his face.
Fair enough,he said with a light chuckle, nodding his agreement.
He paused for a beat, his golden eyes studying her curiously before speaking again.
Name’s Cole,he offered, tipping his head in a polite gesture.
And you? What should I call ya?
Straightening slightly, he gestured toward the surrounding glade with a flick of his tail.
It’s a deal then. We’ll meet back here soon, see what they think of it.His voice held a tone of quiet confidence, already imagining the possibilities.
Might even make somethin’ worthwhile outta this.
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Forsythia - January 01, 2025
faced with the question of identity.
she felt that petal was the name of a dainty child. one who still hid behind sisters and mother's golden limbs. one who had not seen the cutting world.
so it was forsythia who emerged now. a name that still carried brightness by its nature alone but was not just one simple part of something.
forsythia,she decided to tell him now. a soft, tentative wave to her tail. would mother be proud? to know that a daughter took the first part of her name in claim now.
she realized though that some of bearclaw might still know her by a different name.
let them, she decided. then they will see me new when we meet again. no longer the scared child, cowering and fleeing tensions. one who decided to grasp whatever she could for survival.
it will be good to see you again.her chin lifted if only to look a bit more into his face.
RE: the grass is growing on top of my feet - Cole - January 01, 2025
Cole regarded her for a moment, his gaze steady, taking in the weight of her decision.
Alrigh’t then,he said, his voice even, calm, yet carrying a finality that left no room for uncertainty. His eyes lingered on her, as if committing her name—her choice—to memory. Forsythia. It suited her, he thought, bright yet resilient, a name that spoke of something more.
You’ve got courage, takin’ steps like this. It’ll serve you well,he added, a rare note of approval threading through his tone. His expression remained stoic, but there was something in his posture that hinted at respect, a recognition of her effort to stand tall.
Goodbye, Forsythia,he said simply, turning away with the quiet confidence of someone who knew the wilds better than himself. The snow and shadows seemed to embrace him as he moved, his steps sure and deliberate. He disappeared into the trees, leaving her to the quiet, his presence already fading into the vast expanse of the wild.