Bearclaw Valley gotta be careful,

she stiffened the moment the stranger emerged, black-tipped ears flicking back as if to ward off the scrutinizing look he gave. He was massive, a hulking figure framed by the skeletal trees. Her breath hitched—not in fear, she told herself, but in instinct. she appeared like prey caught in the open. Relax.

the girl huffed a nervous laugh in response. “dunno if I should be offended by that or not,” she muttered, half to herself, “guess I’ll add it to my list of accomplishments.” her words came out dry, though the faint flush at the tips of her ears betrayed her discomfort.

her gaze followed him as he moved, lingering on the ripple of muscle beneath his pelt as he turned. she tipped her head and allowed herself to smile at his comment, “if you’re planning on fixing that by chasing down strangers, y'might wanna work on your approach. less laughing, more snarling—it’s scarier.”