Bearclaw Valley you need cooling

the river lulled her to an early sleep, as it did most these days. the gurgle of the water tumbling gently over smooth pebbles a soothe to any ache in her soul, her mind. she always tried to wait for cole's return—every sunset, she'd lay at the mouth of their den, a hopeful smile on her lips. waiting to see her man round the bend, his figure backlit by the setting sun. 

but she often fell asleep long before he'd return. curled in the hearth of their home, gently inhaling his scent that cocooned around her. the gentlest lullaby. and just as often, she found him in her dreams. waiting for her, welcoming her. 

winnie stirred the slightest at first. her subconscious driving her to curl instinctively into the warmth placed atop her. only to be awaken at the gentle kiss pressed to her forehead. sleepy eyes flutter open to blink away the remnants of her sleep; to find cole settling beside her. 

her smile is tired, but no less soft, no less warm. shifting, she rolled onto her side to face him. burrow her muzzle into the fur of his neck and shoulder, pressing soft kisses before she stilled. 

"mmm, you come home too late." she murmured, voice scarcely louder than the rush of the water. but it didn't matter; he always came home to her.

"thank you for the hide, my love." winnie sighed as she settled against him. her eyes sliding shutting once again though she did not sleep, just simply relaxed. "tough day?" came the gentle question, the earnest desire to hear about his work. his anything.