Sleepy Fox Hollow The night is cold out there.

Anything can happen. He’s here to help out with Ava, but a greeting can go however you like. Heda’s and Dinah’s tags are for reference.

John had been led by @Heda, along with @Dinah, to a hollow in the mountains, where the young Ava Amara had been kept. As he had trekked through the woods he found a den, it smelt of different herbs and flowers, earthy. He looked around before gentle stepping into the darkness of the den. He stopped short, and spoke in a gentle voice, “@Ava Amara, I’m here. Everything will be okay.” He then moved closer to lay beside her. He gently made shushing noises, trying to keep her calm and relaxed. His body was there in hopes to warm her - even in the shelter of the den, the cold still seeped in. 

Despite the history the two of them had, this wouldn’t stop him from taking care of his sheep, his island family.

ava learned her headaches were like her shadow; ever present. 

at times they lifted enough that her vision was clear — or, really, as clear as it had been before. 

a dark figure stepped into the den. ava expected it was etienne — but she realized too late it was someone else. 

her back arched like a cat’s as he came close — his familiar scent trickling through the biting cold. 

john. ava’s back was against the wall now, and she watched him as an animal caged; distrustful and deeply resentful.

Like a scared cat she was against the wall, back arched and in a defensive posture. He knew that what had happened over the summer is the cause for this distrust, but even though he looked past that experience upon the island, she may never. If only there was a way to get through her little head that he meant no harm, and never did. Ana attacked first anyway, and all he wanted was to spend time with the children of the island. 

She probably wasn’t worth the trouble, would be a common thought, but no, not for John. Each and every being deserved to feel loved, not to live in anger, or hate, or loneliness. 

“Ava. I know why you do this, I do. Back on the island, I never wanted to become an enemy. All I ever wanted to do is care for you, your mom, your siblings. Be a part of the family. But…. You won’t let me, will you?”

He didn’t know how good her comprehension was, with the head injury and all, but he’d keep things short and to the point.

“If you wish it, I will leave you to rest once more.”

john was a logical man, and ava an illogical child.

all she saw when she saw his face was the day anathema's head cracked against the stone.

she did not see his devotion. she did not see his loyalty. she did not see his kindness.

she only saw red;

a jumble of words were spoken, but the altruism was lost on ava. she lowered her head, a low snarl rippling from her throat with a commanding force that surprised even her.

A growl came from the young Ava, a growl that you wouldn’t expect a young pup to be able to muster, at least, not most. What John could see and feel was a grudge, a bad one. Did this child not understand forgiveness? 

Slowly, he decided that perhaps it was best to back up a ways, give her more room. He stepped back towards the den opening, then coming to a stop. There was a sadness in his eyes, as his gaze still laid upon the girl, but what could he do? He tried to talk it out, and that didn’t work, so perhaps leaving was the best option. “I’m sorry, Ava.” Was all he said as he turned to exit the den.

ava lifted her chin, eyeing the man as he backed slowly from the den. she ignored his look of hurt — and as he left, she let loose a whuff of held tension. 

she did not move from her spot. while she had every intention of staying awake and vigilant, before long she was asleep again, john’s intrusion entirely forgotten.