Wapun Meadow Warmth

After two days, she returned to the meadow as promised. With her she carried a section of the pelt from their previous meeting, wrapped around her mystery gift.

Head tilting upwards, she let out a howl and called for @Frederick, eagerly awaiting a response from the hulk. Her tail couldn't help but wave.

She of course felt some guilt wandering from the valley - but it would survive her absence. She had marked before she departed, secured their goods.

Two suns had set, two days of loafing about as he somewhat impatiently passed the time, waiting for his return to the meadow, to check up on his spruce-swathed friend. He trudged along at an even pace. However, when a howl rode along the winds towards his now perked ears, Frederick hurried his pace, trotting, quickly now, to the meadow. Her small figure was a dot on the horizon, and a smile grew as his tail swayed back and forth.

As he went, he matched her howl with his own, bringing his muzzle upwards as it escaped him. Low, echoing, he hoped she knew that it was conformation of his arrival. His paws carried him, white and thunderous, as he went. Milan! Frederick called, once he was close enough to be within her range. He noticed the deer pelt from the kill, and wondered what it was doing here. He came to a stop once he was a tails length away from her. If she'd allow, he'd move closer, sniffing at her nose in an affectionate greeting.

How have you been? The valley's been treating you well, I hope?

Excitement washed over as a familiar voice responded, the thundering cloud of a man soon coming over the hills to meet her. "Frederick!" She responded in greeting, his sniff met with a gentle butt of her head.

"Yes, it's quite peaceful. Exactly what I've been looking for." She nearly glowed as she spoke of the valley, prideful in her protection of it. "And the creek? Are you happy there?"

She was rather curious of the man's experience with the creek wolves, and - while she would not voice such greed - if he would consider returning to the valley with her when he was done there, or if he wished to stay.

the thread with swiftcurrent hasn't happened yet so i'm just going to be vague about that haha

He was filled with warmth at her happiness, a feeling he knew to be empathy--the good kind. She asked him of the creek, and Frederick rosed his brows, somewhat surprised (and honoured) that she remembered. It's been good, he said, But I have to admit, being patient has been difficult. Frederick spoke with a tone of quiet humour, a smile upon his face as he looked down at her.

And the pelt, he said, raising a paw to point at it. You still have it, I see? Well, a portion. Why've you brought it, may I ask?

Right - the pelt! She nearly forgot. Her left forepaw lifting, she pushed it towards the man. "It's carrying a gift. I wanted to give you something in return for last time."

There was a clear look of excitement on Milan's doe-eyed face. Whatever was wrapped inside the pelt she had put clear care into. She liked Frederick, and she wished to show him that.

"Open it!" She instructed, a grin spreading across her muzzle.

Frederick's eyes widened. A gift? He murmured. He almost felt guilty--he in no way wanted to make the lady feel like she was required to get him something. He thought she'd be hungry, so he hunted for her, and that was that. Frederick wanted to say: you didn't have to, but the look of excitement on her face wouldn't let him.

Yes, ma'am. The snow-pelted man chuckled, using his paws to carefully, tactfully, move away the pelt. He was slow, looking back at Milan every now and then as he went. The expression on his face was priceless, and he matched her grin as his tail wagged behind him.

Inside was a pendant carefully packed with fragrant flowers. Deer hide carefully stripped and cut had been weaved into a long necklace to sit comfortably around the man's neck. Fanged teeth hung, all slightly different yet strategically placed in a pattern.

"Do you like it?" She asked, her tail raising as it waved. "I thought it would make you look tough!" Milan felt rather proud of herself.

She had collected the pieces on the her patrols, prepared the hide in her free time, and put it together before she slept. This was the part of home she had missed.

im gonna cry she's so sweet

The flowers reached Frederick's nose before his eyes could perceive it, but when the scent evened out he looked over the gift. It was a necklace, he realised. One of deer hide, fangs, and the prettiest of petals. He looked up at Milan with a wide, almost goofy smile. I love it, he confirmed. Will you help me put it on?

Lowering himself down onto his rump, he nudged the necklace towards the woman, looking straight so that she could bring it upwards around his head. Then, when it fell around his neck, Frederick would wear it with pride. Even now, his eyes were twinkling.

She grinned at Frederick's reaction, glad that her work had been appreciated. "Of course!" Gently, she took the necklace in her teeth and lifted it over his head.

It suited Frederick's pale coat quite well, she thought. "Is it comfortable?" She asked, adjusting the necklace ever so slight so that it would sit properly on his neck.

It was designed with comfort in mind - light weight, pleasantly scented, and the fangs sharp ends had been shaved down.

As it was placed upon his neck, the scent of flowers nearly bombarded him again, making his eyes squint and his nostrils flare. When she had finished fiddling with the necklace, Frederick took a step back, using a single paw to gently touch the softened teeth that hung from the hide. The pendant of petals rested easily against the base of his neck. It's perfect, Milan, He grinned, quite honoured to have something so beautiful made for him. You've done an excellent job.

Was there anything he could give her? How could you out-gift someone so thoughtful? He scanned the area for a moment, looking for something, anything, that he could adorn her pelt with. Maybe while she wasn't looking, he could pluck one of the flowers from the grasses and weave it into her pelt. Hm. He gazed at her, expression warm. Let me find something for you. maybe something blue—something that matched her eyes.

She was quick to shake her head, outright denying the suggestion. "It's a gift! There's no need to offer me something in return." She said, holding back a giggle.

"Just keep spending time with me from now on, that's all I ask." Her tail waved as she spoke, pleased with the thought. Frederick was much sweeter than most of the men she knew, or women for that matter. It was a good change of pace.

She could only hope that he may find who he was looking for, and have the chance to settle down somewhere. Then she could always find him when she wanted someone to speak to.

I know, I know, he said with a low huff, still smiling, however. He'd move closer to rub his shoulder against hers: a sign of affection, should she allow. He flicked his tail. I feel very special with this necklace, Frederick explained. He scanned the meadow once more. I only wish for you to feel that, too. He hadn't known her for long, but he knew that she deserved it.

Then, he took a few steps away from her, looking backwards with inviting eyes. A pretty flower would be beautiful on you, though, you know. Then, the man turned his head, continuing to walk—this time, with gentle paws. Careful to analyze the flowers below him that dotted the meadow. His tail waved as he walked along, peering into the grass, following the floral scents. Looking for something sapphire.

Her heart nearly skipped a beat as he spoke, and she felt compelled to follow. Her paws nearly began to move without any thought necessary. She had yet to see his paws move so gently.

If he insisted on giving her such a thoughtful gift, she could not refuse. "You really are sweet, Frederick." Milan savoured this, already looking forward to their future meetings.

She was alone in the valley, until the rest returned from the Great Hunt at least. The company of another was a pleasant change of pace after her lonely border patrols.

His ears flattened against his head bashfully, tail flicking back and forth. Thank you, he murmured, still searching the ground, rather particularly, now. Only the prettiest. A high standard, yes, but one he felt he owed. In the distance, a skinny, tall flower: a forget-me-not. Quickly, he padded forwards, bending down to pluck it's stem and turning towards Milan, eyes wide, bright.

He clamped it gently between his teeth, slowly returning to the woman. For a moment, he gazed briefly into her eyes, the hues similar to the floral plant he held in his maw. Frederick leaned forwards, carefully tucking the flower within the crevice of her crown and her ear, gently working it into her fur. There, he smiled, stepping back to admire. Perfect. It's a forget-me-not, and in a moment of quick-wittedness, he added: A testament to how I'll remember you. Accompanied with a charming smile.

As he so carefully tucked in the flower her eyes were wide, relaxed, and practically sparkling. "Could I ask something of you?"

The words left her throat before she had a chance to consider them, a feeling of uncertainty quick to wash over her. Frederick was sweet, thoughtful. It gave her room to be impulsive.

Milan was not yet accustomed to such feelings.

Frederick blinked, examining her face, watching her eyes shine. Of course, he nodded, slowly: curious. Anything. For a moment, something about her seemed to change, and Frederick felt like he'd been hit by a wave of uncertainty. But he stood strong, reassuring, and waited with softened eyes for her to speak.

"Once you find who you're searching for, do you thing you would consider joining me in the valley?" The question was asked with a layer of caution. She left him room for choice - she was asking for consideration rather than commitment.

Milan was yet to know what kind of life was in store for her in Bearclaw Valley, but having someone clicked with so well would keep her calm, allow her to adjust. She owed Ameline her loyalty - she would not abandon them.

For a moment, he was shocked. His brows raised, and he searched Milan's face. She was careful in her tone; she used the word consider; she wanted to be around him, somewhat permanently, it sounded? He knew that once he found Adrian, he'd be leaving the creek, but the question took him by surprise. I— He had to think about it, surely.

But, with not even a moments notice, he blurted out a response: Yes. I would. The reply stunned even himself. A second, two seconds, three went by before he gathered his thoughts and gave a proper answer. I'll join you in the valley once I find him. Him being rather vague, but he wouldn't withhold any information, should she ask.

Filled with a sudden blossom of affection, he'd lean forwards to meet her cheek with his own, if she'd permit it. A friend. A companion. A relation that would not be forgotten.

She smiled, eager to meet his touch. "I'll be waiting then." She responded, her tail waving. The sun beginning to set, it was time to return to the valley. Reluctantly, she stepped away.

"Feel free to come visit, alright?" Milan insisted, turning off to start on her way back. She spared him one more glance before breaking into a trot.

It was the necessary boost Milan needed. A newfound sense of confidence that allowed her to carry herself with a bit more pride than she once had.

You'll see me. He confirmed, his tail moving side-to-side in a similar manner. He watched as she moved away, smiling when she glanced back at him, and stared after her as she left. For a moment, he wished to chase after her, to go to the valley with her. But he knew that as of now, his loyalty was to the creek. Frederick had things to do before he could settle.

And so, fiddling with his necklace--a treasured gift--for but a moment, he, too, turned, trudging back to the creek. He hoped to find Adrian sooner rather than later.