Redhawk Caldera bloom to the sky

A few thin stalks held buds which, if left unpicked, might flourish; so Dove left them alone. She sought the flowers that were already mid-bloom, even though they were more likely to dry out in the den, or simply rot from the excess moisture around them. At the very least Fox would know she was there. That she was trying. She was careful as she pulled these flowers free, realizing by the third floret that her dainty face was the perfect size for this kind of work. It was relaxing too - meditative.

Perhaps that was why she remained oblivious to the man's approach, until the crunch of snow at her flank made her lift and turn her head - destroying the cluster she had been carefully weeding through in the process. For a moment Dove was too perplexed by his very presence to do anything, and what errant petals remained, now fell to the snow at her feet. In the next second she was regaining some level of control over herself.

"You." The girl muttered, her voice controlled and level. She licked her lips and swallowed nervously, then turned her attention back to the cluster of shoots. But while she was looking through them - knowing they were ruined and she should just move on to another patch - she muttered, "Did you want something?"