Fox's Glade ocean eyes

"cole," she repeated gently, testing the name on her tongue. "thank you. i know it must seem silly, but..." words trailed, lilted, before billowing into a soft sigh. "even birds deserve proper burials." she'd been taught to respect even the smallest creatures, to show compassion. a good deed brings good tidings, her mother once whispered. she realizes now that perhaps she's too soft, too fragile. too emotional.

with a shaky breath, she smiles, although small and forlorn. it momentarily brings a glimmer to her eyes, a softness to narrow features that typically are dimmed with sorrow. her chest feels just a little lighter now, with the bird to rest and a distraction from her turmoil. willowy tail curls neatly around cold paws as she lifts her chin to meet his gentle gaze. it was unjudging, careful. she enjoyed it.

"you have a kind heart, cole. my name is winslet." she hummed. the willowy fur on her cheeks dances in a cool gust of wind. "is it always so dreary here? i'm a stranger to these lands."