Emberwood Upon the sea and within the forest, thick as theives

Inkeri! he said, his eyes full of blush and his voice a nervous laugh. Oh gosh, how long had she been here? How long has she been watching?

Her boop to his nose sent something like lightning down his spine, and the nips to his ears did little to quell the rush. But both of these things paled in comparison to how his spirits soared when he heard the melody of her voice! It seemed even sweeter today, touched with warmth like the birdsongs of spring.

He hummed, and thrummed his tail in a little beat. How was he today? Oh, you know, just showing these roots not to mess with ol’ Merry, he smiled, and hummed again, they probably think they’re still winning, but I’m the one who gets to talk with you.

What was she even doing here? How had she found him? Don’t say you were looking for me, he teased her, but even as he did so, his heart beat quicker and all he could think was, oh, please say you were!!!