Bearclaw Valley You ask me what I'm thinking about,

@Adalynn

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the valley as Cole settled into his routine. The late afternoon light bathed the landscape in a warm golden hue, but there was a chill in the air that seeped into his bones—a reflection of the turmoil swirling in his mind.

He busied himself with the task at hand, digging in the earth to bury the bones of old carcasses, remnants of hunts past. The ground was cool beneath his paws, offering a certain comfort in its stability. Yet each bone he covered felt like a reminder of something he couldn’t quite shake off—an echo of his last interaction with @Arnarkla. Her icy demeanor and pointed words lingered like a shadow over him.

With every shovelful of dirt, he tried to bury the weight of his unease, but the feelings only grew heavier. Had he pushed too far with his teasing? Was there something deeper that he had missed in their playful banter? He wanted to believe that their dynamic was lighthearted, but doubt gnawed at him. The playfulness had faded, replaced by an uncomfortable silence that hung between them like a thick fog.

Cole paused to glance up, watching the way the trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly. The serenity of the valley felt at odds with the turmoil within him. He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of damp earth and fading sunlight, hoping to ground himself. Perhaps it was just a fleeting moment, one that would pass with time. But for now, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him like the cool, dark soil he continued to cover over the bones.

silver princess is lead astray from her wandering, checking to see what may had changed since the departure. if any beasts ruined her home. a strange scent clogged the air — something familiar that curled her stomach.

but her attention is stolen away by the sounds of dirt being dug up, and eternally curious adalynn follows. afterall, if this was a coyote, it needed to be chased..

instead, all she finds is a giant man digging holes and throwing bones into it. how uncouth.
what are you doing? ice eyes peer over the bones. none from wolves. none from It. did mother or father order you to build a graveyard for food?

Cole paused mid-dig, glancing down at the silver pup. Her gaze was sharp, her curiosity unmistakable. He tilted his head, studying her for a second. Adalynn, right? he asked, more to confirm than anything else, a gentle note of uncertainty coloring his voice.

When she nodded, he resumed his work, scooping another pawful of dirt aside before tossing in a few more bones. Habit, more than anythin' else, he said, his voice quiet and steady, as though sharing a secret. Burying what's been left behind. Keeps the valley clean. Keeps predators away.

There was something almost reverent in the way he went about it, a rhythm in his work that came from years of the same motions.

he remembered her name, but too bad the same did not go for herself. she nodded, but didn't bother to prod.

won't they just dig it up? what if they get mad that their scent just lead them to a grave? then that'd just make even more of a mess. but despite her complaining, adalynn didn't stop him. that would be up to mama and papa, she's just a curious little crow for now.

how long have you been doing this?

Cole chuckled, watching Adalynn’s little brow furrow with that spark of curiosity he’d come to expect. Well, Miss Adalynn, he drawled, the Southern twang in his voice smooth as honey, once that bone’s buried too long, the marrow goes soft and loses its bite. It isn’t fresh anymore, you see?

He glanced over at the ground, considering her concerns with an amused glint in his eye. Now, as for digging it up… well, if someone’s following their nose to an old buried bone, then they’re the fool, not you. A slow grin spreading across his face. I’ve been doing this long enough to know that anyone sniffing after another wolf's buried scraps ought not be too picky.

How long? he mused, tilting his head thoughtfully. Oh, long enough for it to be a habit. Some things you just get used to, Adalynn. Keep at it long enough, and maybe you’ll get the knack too.