Hideaway Strath look at the fire and think of me

mona was young, but not so foolish as to dash headlong into the strange valley without accompaniment. that was where nathaniel came in — unbeknownst to her, the soldierly man had already suspected as much. however, she was youthful enough to have traveled without breakfast, and felt the glissade of hunger in her belly. nathaniel's tread was welcome, as was the depth of his voice; the mayfair girl turned with delight wreathing her features and sought to joyously lick his cheek. "mister rochester! look what i found," mona exclaimed, stepping forward to indicate the valley with a wide wave of her plume.
belatedly, she realized the man had brought both food and a nickname; shyness colored her countenance now and she smiled bashfully at nathaniel. "firebird," came her thoughtful repetition. "i like that." wanting him not to think she was nothing more than a silly blushing girl, the nuro gave a sharp nod. "i didn't eat before i left, which was pretty dumb. have you eaten?" came her inquiry, the mayfair pulling back the paw she had extended toward the rabbit's limp body. it was only polite to ensure he had broken his fast first; after all, only one of them had been smart enough to hunt.