Ravensblood Forest parley

firefly watched her with wide, admiring eyes, his tail giving a single, restrained wag as he tried to match her calm focus. she made it look so easy, moving like she was part of the river itself. he crouched low as instructed, the cold water swirling around his legs and tugging at his fur.  

let the water forget you’re here, he murmured to himself, repeating her words like a mantra. his body stilled, though his ears twitched at every splash and ripple around him.  

when a fish darted close, firefly’s eyes locked onto it. his muscles coiled as he waited, the tension building in his frame. then, in a burst of motion, he lunged.  

the water erupted around him, droplets flying in every direction as his jaws snapped shut. for a fleeting moment, he thought he had it—but when he surfaced, all he had was a mouthful of water and a very damp face.  

he blinked, sputtering slightly, before breaking into a sheepish laugh. well, uh... almost, right? he looked back at meredith, grinning despite his failure. guess the water hasn’t forgotten me just yet.

still, determination burned in his eyes as he steadied himself for another try.