Hideaway Strath Do I speak my truth or do I filter to how I feel?

She was a different wolf to the one he'd met in the beautiful glade.
The mourning widow seemed so fragile then, but now, she was so bold.
So genuine, like a diamond reflecting lanternlight in a mineshaft. 

Arlette. The name rolled around in his mind rent-free.
Her image hung above the fireplace. Arlette.

"That one is just for you," he smiled softly. She deserved it. She'd been through so much. Hell, how old even was she? Younger than him certainly. Perhaps just a year older than Keen ... Derg was never good at guessing.

He let her eat in peace, not staring to her so she doesn't feel anxious or anything like that. Women were funny sometimes like that, he never cared for it. Nor did Grezig for that matter.
He licked his lips, turning back to her.
"You deserve the world." He gazed at her with adoration filling his eyes.
"You have nothing to make up, love, you are all I need for thanks." He smiled, drifting closer and touching his nose to her.
Oh, she was so beautiful. She smelt like wildflowers too.

He wanted to care for her. Wanted to make sure she was forever safe and well.