Bearclaw Valley whole lotta love

Cole huffed a quiet chuckle, shaking his head as a few stray feathers drifted loose from his fur. Appreciate it, Ameline, he said, voice low but genuine. He didn’t take kindness lightly, nor did he waste words on things he didn’t mean.
For a moment, he let the weight of her reassurance settle, knowing full well that worry would always find its way back. But for now—for now, it was enough.
He rolled a stiff shoulder, glancing down at himself with something close to amusement. Think I’ll keep ‘em. Might start a trend. A dry smirk, a flick of his tail, and then he turned, ready to be on his way.
Fading into the quiet, his gratitude lingered.