Bearclaw Valley so close to what

nephele was wordless in this moment of unguarded sincerity. a daughter. long ago. a breeze blew between them and tugged at more than just the cloudy greys of the woman's coat. a deep and appreciative ember burned in her eyes for the man sharing what he did.

him seeing a shadow of his own daughter in anatolia made nephele's heart thrum with a burst of delight and pride. unsure what to say to voice this, she simply said nothing at all, moving to brush against his paw as he'd done with hers just moments before should he let her.

and so as cole closed his vulnerability behind a steel locked door, nephele did not go knocking. one day, should the sun ever rise on it, the door might open for her all on it's own.

"parenthood is a challenge," she breathed, calling back to their earlier conversation. "but it's also the greatest gift i've got."

his earlier words played in her head; your girls are good. tough, like their ma. don’t reckon they need much lookin’ after, but… i’m around if they ever do.

"i'm glad my girls have you around."