Bitterroot Valley basement treasures

etienne free to pop in as well, just wanted to get this into my threadlog!

sega answered her call quickly this time— not with the urgency of alarm, but with the steadiness of a leader expecting something important. he came down through the pines, snow brushing off his shoulders in soft cascades, golden eyes finding angel first.

the sight of her warmed something deep in him, but then he spotted the dark-furred girl at her side— young, around angel’s age, posture low, eyes downcast in the way of someone taught to fear authority.

sega slowed, easing the weight of his presence so it would not crush her.

his tail swept once in welcome.

angel, he greeted, voice warm.

then, his gaze shifted to the stranger, studying her quietly— not judging, only taking her in. travel-worn. cautious. respectful in the way her head dipped.

his expression softened, and for the first time in a while, a small smile touched the scarred edge of his muzzle.

hn. who is this you bring? he asked angel, tone gentle, inviting her to speak.