Sleepy Fox Hollow Just long enough to overthink.

As he passed the hare to Etienne, he looked away, unable to confirm that moment by a meaningful exchange of looks. In doing so, he missed the soft smile that briefly eclipsed the seaborn’s gentle face. 

Fiona remained undetected. Anselm’s attention was riveted in front of him.  

His gaze traveled to the girl. Her fur was dark and thin, speaking to a history of malnourishment Anselm immediately recognized. Vould she have died if you did not move her? He shifted to peer at the thin cut that scythed across her flesh. Then you did the right thing.

It was the closest Anselm would get to altruism in this moment. He resented the girl — and her mother — for existing, but he did not resent Etienne for his generous heart. He recognized that he benefited from Etienne’s generosity too, and it was not a weakness but a strength that compelled the seaborn to always do what was right.