Redtail Rise etude

If she had ever embraced him before, it hadn't been notable like this one. Her words reassured him that he was valued, but the hug was what told him what he truly needed to know. He wasn't simply a tool to her, something that she needed only because he served a purpose. His friendship was valued as well. This was really all he wanted - the rest did not matter nearly so much.

Ashlar pressed in and returned the embrace gratefully, his tail moving unbidden with the quiet joy of it. This was his home and where he belonged. So long as that was true, she would have him.

I'm here. If there's ever anything, I'll try. Just ask. He knew he'd already said as much, but he thought it was right to repeat it, more as a promise than anything else. There might be things he could not do, but even if that were the case, she would deserve the explanation of why. Anything to avoid the misunderstanding of falling short in her eyes.