Bearclaw Valley Simple Art

No longer was Milan alone in the valley. It was a comfort, something that allowed her to feel safe.

The deer hide she had taken after Frederick hunted for her still had some material left, and now with some responsibility off of her plate she took the time to carefully rip it into strips.

She planned to weave it together into something that could be offered to her packmates. A simpler way to carry back heavier prey, large amounts of herbs, and anything else.

Cole’s approach was quiet, his paws light on the earth as he saw the woman working. His eyes lingered for a moment on the strips of deer hide she was working with before stepping forward, offering a respectful nod.

Evenin’, ma’am, he greeted with a drawl, his stance steady but not imposing. Name’s Cole. I’m new 'round here. His gaze shifted briefly to the hide she was working with. What’re you makin’ there? Looks like something useful. His tone was polite, but there was a quiet curiosity beneath it, an unspoken recognition of her effort.

A man spoke, and quickly her eyes shot upwards from where she lay to spot him. There was a slight tension, but she pushed it away after a moment. She had seen him return with Ameline - if the woman trusted him, then Milan would too.

"Yes, I saw you return with Ameline. My name is Milana." She nodded towards the ground in front of her, allowing him to sit should he wish to stay. "I'm putting together a carrier - I thought that it may be useful to our herbalists and hunters."

She understood that she was not nearly as skilled in areas that were the most important compared to other's - but with the skills she did have, she wished to share.

Cole gave a nod of acknowledgment as she introduced herself, his eyes scanning the work she’d laid out. The tool she was creating was impressive, practical in a way that spoke to her skill and thoughtfulness.

That’s a fine piece o'work, Milana, he said, lowering himself to sit near her, though he made no move to intrude on her space. You’ve gotta good eye for what’ll help. He studied the strips of hide for a moment before looking back at her. I’m no expert, but if 'ya need an extra hand, I’m happy ta'help. Though, from the looks of it, you migh' be more capable than me in that area.

He gave her a small, sincere smile, his tone calm and appreciative, before he leaned back, content to watch her work.

Her tail came to a slight wave at his offer. It had been some time since Milan had been able to teach her skills - the first time outside of her birth pack. "Oh you could help me weave! It isn't difficult at all."

Gently pushing the remaining hide aside, she pulled the prepared strips forward. There was an air of excitement surrounding her, one that made her quick to open up to the other.

"Once you learn the pattern, you'll get into the groove."

Cole raised an eyebrow, a half-smile tugging at his lips. Guess there’s only one way to find out, he said, leaning in a little closer. He glanced at the strips of hide, still unsure. But if it gets tangled, I’m blamin' you.

He gave her an amused look, clearly charmed by her eagerness, and then reached forward to take a strip, ready to give it a try.

She smiled at his words. Even if he were to make a mistake it could easily be fixed - the fact that he was willing to try at all pleased her. "Just follow what I do." She instructed.

Separating the strips she began to lay them out neatly, taking every few and putting them at her side. "Could I ask what brought you to Bearclaw?" She wondered if possibly, the same aspects that appealed to her had attracted him.

Cole paused, focusing on the strips in front of him as he tried to follow her movements. He fumbled with them for a moment, then looked back up, his gaze steady but thoughtful.

Was lookin' for something honest, he said, his voice low as he rearranged the hide in his hands, trying to match her pace. Somewhere that felt more like family than just a place to sleep. He glanced at her, meeting her eyes briefly before returning to the work in front of him. This place... it seems like it could be that.

She nodded, beginning to weave the strips together with an honest and clear care. "I can understand that - I stayed for the same reason." She responded, eyes looking upwards to meet his.

"It seems safe - a place where we'll each be treated fairly." Such factors were of importance to Milan, for it was not something she had in her birth pack. No longer did she wish to be treated like less.

Tail waving, she paused for a moment to consider that fact. "So long as that can be proven to me, I'd like to have a family of my own here." As she spoke of such things, her mind flickered back to Frederick.

Cole raised an eyebrow at her words, his gaze thoughtful. He kept his voice low, almost casual as he leaned a little closer, his southern drawl smooth.

Family, huh? he murmured, nodding slowly. That’s somethin' worth wantin’. He paused for a moment, letting the thought settle between them, before his brows lifted in mild curiosity.

So... you married? he asked, keeping his tone respectful, though the question lingered, unspoken layers in his gaze.

The question caught her off-guard, pulling Milan away from her thoughts of the white hulk. For a moment she felt embarrassed, the sound of her mother scolding her for indecent thoughts ringing in her ears.

"Ah, no. But isn't that a thought." She smiled. For the sake of friendly conversation, she returned the question. "Are you?"

Marriage of course was an exciting idea, but it was a difficult decision. While level-headed when dealing with the issues of other's, Milan faced some more difficulty when policing herself.

Cole shook his head slowly, his focus still on the strips of hide as he mimicked her movements, his paws working more steadily now.

Had one once, he muttered, his voice low and thoughtful. Not sure I’m suited for it, though. He glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable, then returned to his work. Guess you could say I’m more a free spirit.

Listening carefully to his words, she pulled the strips tight. "I suppose that's where we differ." She said, "I see nothing wrong with that of course - so long as you don't hurt anyone."

She had seen her fair share of wolves who had approached relationships with the same attitude - but Cole seemed sweet enough. His intentions were surely good. "So long as you find someone who wants the same thing, I'm sure it could be alright."

Cole furrowed his brow, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he continued working beside her, mimicking her actions. He wasn’t used to this kind of conversation, but there was something about Milana’s perspective that seemed... refreshing.

Reckon you’re a bit more optimistic than I am, he said with a quiet chuckle. His gaze flicked to her as he worked, the question lingering in his mind. Do you... have a boyfriend, or what they call 'em? Someone you're thinkin' about? He didn’t push, just a casual inquiry with the slightest bit of curiosity.

Another pause came as the question was asked. "Not exactly." She responded. "I have not known him long enough to know."

She frowned as she reflected on her previous meetings with Frederick. "He's the kindest man I've met, but I'm afraid he has too much on his plate as of now." He had promised to come back to her, and Milan wished to trust him - but something inside of her urged caution.

If she had her heart broken now, she was unsure of what she could do.

Cole’s warm gaze softened as he listened, watching her face flicker with hope and uncertainty. He shifted a bit closer, his posture easy but attentive. That’s somethin’ tough to balance, he murmured, letting her know he understood without pushing. He kept his tone low and steady, just enough to reassure without needing many words.

You’ll know what to do, darlin’, he added, voice gentle, the barest hint of a smile to ease her mind. He'll make time for 'ya, I'm sure of it.

"I can only hope." She responded, resuming her weaving.

Silently, she carried a selfish wish. She wished Frederick would find his brother with haste, that come the winter he would join her here in the valley.

But such things could not be rushed - she would only tire herself.

Cole's gaze softened, his voice steady as he spoke, Hope's all we got, ain't it? He leaned back, his tone quiet, understanding the weight of her wish without needing to say more.

Hey— he gestured to her. How's this lookin'? The weaving he had done was not as intricate as hers...he thinks, but he waits for her approval.

She looked to the work he had done, a slight smile crossing her muzzle. "You're getting the hang of it - I believe it should stay together." So long as it was stable, it would work.

"You should be nearly done now - then comes the hard part." She paused momentarily. "Well, I'll handle that bit anyways. No need to worry."

Cole nodded, his gaze steady as he finished securing the last of the work. He wiped his paws briefly before looking back at her with a quiet question.

The hard part? he asked, his tone casual but curious, his gaze never leaving her face.

"Yes - it can't be left like this." She blinked, as though such a thing should have been obvious. "The loose ends all need to be wrapped, otherwise it will fall apart."

She had seen plenty of young adolescent girls learn in her natal pack, so surely Cole could too - should he choose to take an interest.

Cole gave a determined nod, his gaze steady as he glanced at the work ahead. Alright, then, he said, voice calm and resolute. I'll give it a shot. His ears perked, ready to learn whatever it took to get it right.

Her tail waved, signaling that she was pleased with his answer. "Maybe you'll have to help me more often then!" She smiled, looking to the man. It would be good to have a weaving partner.

Soon her attention returned to their project, Milan carefully taking the loose ends; braiding and tucking them away. It made for quite the pleasant pattern, and she appeared pleased with herself.

Cole chuckled, a warm, throaty sound that rumbled low as he watched her weave. Well, reckon I’ll have to get real good at keepin’ up with ya, then, he drawled, his tone playful.

With a glint of curiosity in his eye, he leaned in, studying her work for a moment before gently closing his teeth over a loose strand and tugging it in a similar rhythm, mimicking her precise pattern. Think I’m gettin’ the hang of it? he asked, one brow lifting as he released the strand, his tail swaying behind him.

Carefully eyeing him as he worked, she nodded. "You're a natural - I'm sure that you'll have mastered it in no time." She responded, a friendly offer of encouragement.

"If you can bring me more hide I'd be glad to teach you something more complicated." A simple trade-off, she thought. "Well, next time at least."