Nova Peak back to the old house

she swallows—soft, quick. a twitch of her throat.
his eyes were sharp, cutting through the calm she wore like a cloak. she did not shrink, but her body remained low, ears gently pinned, tail brushing the earth behind her.
wash furs, she said quietly, gesturing to the soaked pelt beside the stone.
her gaze flicked to the cluster of blooms she'd gathered, still wet with mountain dew.
more… flowers here. her voice was low, melodic despite its brokenness, a note of offering rather than excuse.
she did not meet his eyes, but she did not flee.