Fox's Glade returners

The days had been long, filled with bruises and bloodshed. Cole wore his injuries like a second skin—fresh scrapes across his ribs, a shallow gash on his flank. Nothing serious enough to keep him down, but enough to leave him aching. The rough, unkind rhythm of Bearclaw life hadn’t paused for a moment, and yet, his thoughts had wandered often. Back to the glade. Back to her.

@Winslet.

He found himself walking there now, steps heavy but purposeful, amber eyes scanning the horizon. The glade opened up before him, serene and quiet under the late morning light, the frost glinting like shards of glass across the open expanse. It was far from Bearclaw's rugged cliffs and dense woods—a rare kind of peace he hadn’t known he’d needed until he’d stumbled upon it with her.

A low grunt escaped him as he shifted his weight, his ribs reminding him of the scuffle that had painted his days red. But still, he moved forward, drawn by something he couldn’t quite name.

Reaching the center of the glade, Cole exhaled and scanned the space. He wasn’t sure if she’d come, but he’d wait. The quiet suited him, even if she didn’t appear. But deep down, he hoped.

with the days ebbing and flowing, winslet often found herself waking with the rising sun. early mornings brought her peace, clarity. to sit in the crisp snow and watch the sun inch over the horizon, basking the meadow in gold, was a joy she wouldn't take for granted. 

it was a time for reflection. the heartache, followed by guilt and wariness, still held onto her heart. but perhaps less so. she began to look beyond her fractured past, in hopes of new beginnings. cole had offered her such; the gentleman who'd helped ease her heart a few days back. 

he'd been on her mind heavily, as she'd watch the sunrise in the morn. his offer, his encouragement, his belief in her. it was a welcome respite from all the bad; he was a welcome respite.

and so with each new day, she'd find herself waiting. hoping. to see him again, and to tell him of her decision...it made her fragile heart flutter with anticipation. 

change was scary, but necessary. and no longer does she want to remain the same frightened, flightless bird.

this morning was different. while she had been swept up in hopeful dreams and visions of a brighter future, an oh so familiar scent taunts her. beckons her. he hadn't forgotten about her...

with a hopeful, small smile, she'd swept away from her perch to glide across the sheet of snow. less sorrowful than when they'd originally met. his figure outlined by the sun, her steps came faster. until she stood before him, tail swaying. 

"good morning, cole. it's good to see you again." she hummed. she wouldn't speak on how she'd wished he'd return, but there was a glimmer in her eyes that perhaps betrayed her. 

though, upon gentle inspection, her expression morphed into worry. sage eyes lingered on his wounds. not detrimental, but fresh enough to fill her with concern. she rounded his flank and frowned. "these are new...are you alright?" she asked softly.

Cole greeted her with a subtle nod, his amber eyes catching hers briefly before they trailed off to the horizon. The sunrise bathed the glade in warm light, and for a moment, he seemed content to let the silence linger. When Winslet spoke, her concern wrapping around the question of his injuries, he shrugged in his usual, understated way.

They’ll heal, he said simply, brushing off her worry with the same nonchalance he applied to most things. There was no need to make a fuss over something as small as a few scratches.

Instead, he shifted the focus to her. How’ve you been doin’? he asked, his tone even but with a thread of curiosity. His gaze softened, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. You made up your mind yet?

Though his words were casual, there was a subtle weight to them. He was glad she had come, glad to see her looking lighter, freer, than before. Whatever decision she had reached, he hoped it was one that would bring her peace.

with a gentle huff, she chided him. "you should be resting. wounds will heal faster when you're not on your feet." it was out of compassion and not ire. though she hardly believed a busy man like cole would stay put for long. 

when his question came, winslet couldn't hide the small, warm smile it brought. sage eyes flitted to the horizon, where the sun had reached half-mast in the sky and the snow-laden meadow was lit with gold. "i've been alright." lighter she felt, ever since she'd met him. she couldn't understand why, no less explain it, but his company and encouragement had eased her heavy soul. "i'm becoming fond of this meadow."

she had considered his offer. it's all that had been on her mind for the past few days. at first, it intimidated her, as she'd convinced herself that she would be of no use to a pack. not when she failed her kingdom, and not when she was a mere shell of her former self. 

but then came the thought of being apart of something greater again. not as a princess, as those days were long behind her and she wished not for any throne or pledges...but to simply enjoy herself again, while learning who she would now become. she might not be useful to bearclaw now...

but she could be. and that hope is all she needs. "i've thought about it a lot, and...i think i can do it. try to fit into bearclaw." and subsequently, try to mend herself. 

alas, there was a residual insecurity. a doubt. "are you sure they'd want me?" it was a gentle question, one that spoke volumes.

Cole's gaze softened as he listened to Winslet, the faintest curve of a smile pulling at his lips. He gave a slight shrug, as if brushing off her concern about his wounds.

They'll heal over time, he said, his voice calm and sure. Ain't much to worry about. His amber eyes lingered on her for a moment, taking in the light in her expression, the quiet determination that had taken root in her words. It made him glad, truly.

When she spoke of joining Bearclaw, his smile widened just slightly, a quiet warmth seeping into his typically stoic demeanor. That’s good, he said simply, but the weight behind the words spoke volumes. You’ve got more to offer than you think, Winslet. I’ve seen it.

Her question made him pause, and his brow furrowed for just a moment. Then, with unwavering conviction, he met her gaze. They’ll want you, he assured her. Bearclaw ain’t just about strength, it’s about loyalty. You’ve got heart, and that’s what matters most.

He tilted his head toward the horizon, where the sun painted the meadow in warm gold. You’ll find your place with us. I know it.

weeps