Bearclaw Valley woodland spirit

stigmata stopped disturbing the water when he caught movement in his peripheral, turning his muzzle slowly to watch the buoyant approach of a sleek, gamine child. he licked his dripping chops, regarding her with his own grizzled brand of curiosity, as she reclined politely before him. the long-limbed dragoon took this as an invitation to come closer, and his bushy tail gave an easy wag as he confidently came forward to inspect her and allow her the same of him.

he could tell immediately that she was not like the other children he had met so far in the valley. there was something palpable and irradiant to this young creature that he liked, and he knew she would be a proud, whiplash adult -- one who favored him, if he could help it. "do you have a name?" he asked, because it was not customary where he was from to have earned a first name before their first year.