Jade Fern Grove defying gravity,

Cole shifted his weight slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting in a slow, easy smile. His drawl was unhurried, the words rolling off his tongue like a river carving its way through the land.

Yeah, ma'am, I reckon I have, he said, a touch of pride in his voice. Spent a good deal of time wanderin', takin' in the sights and meetin' all sorts of folk. Been through some rugged places, seen the kind of sunsets that make you feel small, y'know? He chuckled softly, shaking his head at the memory of it all.

But... He trailed off, his golden eyes lifting to scan the horizon, as though he was measuring the vastness against something inside himself. There comes a time when a man starts yearnin' for somethin' steadier. Bearclaw Valley’s got a hold on me now, I reckon. Feels good to be part of somethin' bigger than just my own two paws.

He glanced back at her, his expression softening. The world out there’s somethin’ to behold, no doubt. But there’s a certain peace in findin’ a place to plant your roots. Guess that’s what brought me here.