Northstar Vale marble bone

The little creature wouldn’t have lasted long in the ridge, he thought. The cost of existence was pain- so the cost of an error would be life. He hoped that Muskrat was not raising Nutu with such rules and punishments; he doubted it, but…She was clearly capable of being cruel if she wanted.

The vine landed near him and hastily, he laid a paw on it to keep the kit from dashing off- but it seemed to have learned that cowering was key. 

Now that he had possession of the vine, he wanted to keep the pathetic creature himself. Teach him to tend herbs, fetch thing, perhaps hunt for food or treasures…He gave the vine a tug, and on shaky feet the fox tottered toward him and crouched down. 

There was something very satisfying about being obeyed. 

You are a gracious neighbour, He said, just as Muskrat turned. The gift, after all, had come with no prompt- though perhaps Muskrat had accomplished what she had intended in giving a glimpse of her nature.