Ravensblood Forest parley

open to murkwood

the forest was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of wind brushing through the naked branches above. patches of snow clung stubbornly to the earth, cracked and trampled in places where other creatures had passed. meredith padded softly through the underbrush, her ears swiveling to catch every sound as she scanned the shadows for signs of life.

her nose twitched as she caught the faint, tantalizing scent of rabbit on the crisp air. her stomach gave a low grumble in response, a reminder of why she was here. she crouched low, her paws careful to avoid the crunch of frost as she moved, her blue eyes sharp and searching.

a flicker of movement caught her attention—a small, fluffy shape darting between the roots of a gnarled tree. meredith froze, muscles coiled like a spring, her tail stiff behind her. her breath came slow and steady, her focus narrowing to the potential meal ahead.

she’d always preferred hunting alone. no chatter, no distractions—just her, the forest, and the thrill of the chase. it wasn’t about the kill, not really. it was about the game, the quiet dance of predator and prey.

her weight shifted slightly, readying herself to pounce. the rabbit hadn’t noticed her yet, but she knew she had only moments before it did. all it would take was one wrong move, one snap of a twig, and her chance would vanish with it.

firefly watched from a distance, his amber eyes catching the faint silhouette of meredith as she moved through the shadows like a ghost. he’d been following her for a while now—not because he meant to intrude, but because he couldn’t help himself. something about the way she moved, so quiet and deliberate, had captured his attention.  

she was nothing like him. where his steps were light and scattered with curiosity, hers were precise and purposeful. where his tail wagged with enthusiasm at every new discovery, hers remained still, a testament to her focus.  

as she froze, her gaze fixed on the rabbit, firefly felt his own body tense in response. he crouched low behind a bush, unwilling to disturb the scene but unable to look away. the way she hunted was almost... elegant, a quiet dance of patience and precision.  

but firefly, ever the clumsy spectator, shifted his weight slightly, and his paw landed on a brittle twig. snap. 

his heart sank as the sound echoed louder than it had any right to, and he winced, his ears flattening. the rabbit bolted, a blur of fur disappearing into the underbrush.  

oops, he muttered under his breath, stepping out from his hiding spot with an apologetic grin. uh… sorry about that.

he glanced at meredith, his tail giving a small, uncertain wag. you were amazing, though! i mean, until... well, you know. he cleared his throat awkwardly.

meredith whipped around, her movements sharp and immediate, like a coiled spring snapping to life. her lips peeled back, teeth bared in a sharp, silent snarl as her body lowered, ready to lunge if need be.

the rabbit's absence barely registered as her pale eyes locked onto the stranger. her ears pinned back, the fur along her spine bristling. the apology, the wag of his tail—it did nothing to soothe the tension rippling through her.

who the hell are you? she hissed, her voice a low growl, cutting through the space between them. her posture stayed taut, a warning clear in every line of her frame. you got a death wish, sneakin’ up on me like that?

firefly froze, his ears flattening as her sharp snarl cut through the frosty air. he took an instinctive step back, his amber eyes wide but still warm with an odd mix of guilt and nervous energy.  

whoa, whoa—easy! he said quickly, his tail dipping low in submission but wagging faintly, almost apologetically. i didn’t mean to sneak up on you. i swear! 

he took a cautious breath, standing a little straighter but keeping his posture non-threatening. name’s firefly. i'm, uh... new around here. fresh recruit. he offered a sheepish grin, his ears flicking nervously. i was told to get a feel for the territory, but i guess i got a little distracted.  

firefly gestured vaguely toward where the rabbit had disappeared, his expression shifting to genuine regret. didn’t mean to ruin your hunt. You looked like you had it all under control. he glanced at her bristling form, his tone softening. look, i’ll stay out of your fur if you want, but... maybe you could show me the ropes sometime? you seem like you know what you’re doing.

he chuckled awkwardly, trying to ease the tension. promise I’m not always this... loud.

oh! meredith blinked, her teeth retreating behind tight lips as her posture softened. the bristling edges of her frame smoothed out, though the tension in her body didn't completely dissolve. didn’t know.

her head tilted slightly, appraising the newcomer, firefly. his awkwardness was almost endearing, like a pup trying to find its footing. a faint smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth. welcome, then.

she glanced toward the spot where the rabbit had fled, the ghost of annoyance flickering in her eyes before she sighed and shook her head. guess the hunt's ruined anyhow. you got lucky. her tone wasn’t unkind—just blunt, as was her way.

meredith took a step back, giving him space but keeping her sharp gaze on him. come on, she said after a beat, gesturing with her nose. i’ll show you ‘round. might as well teach you somethin’ useful since you’re here. she turned, her tail flicking lazily behind her, inviting him to follow. don’t fall behind, loudmouth.

firefly blinked, his ears perking up as her sharp demeanor softened. The tension in his body eased, and a bashful grin spread across his face masking the creeping blush. loudmouth?": he repeated, his tail wagging in quick, awkward sweeps. guess i've been called worse. thanks... i think?

he stepped forward hesitantly, his paws crunching lightly against the frosted ground as he followed after her. i mean, uh, thanks for not, you know... biting my face off. His voice carried the earnestness of someone eager to prove themselves, even if his nerves made him stumble over his words.  

firefly watched her confident stride, noting how at ease she seemed with the forest around her. it was clear she knew this land well—every branch and shadow—and he found himself quietly admiring her.  

don’t worry, i'll keep up, he added quickly, falling into step behind her. his tail swished again, the nickname rolling around in his head like a prized treasure. loudmouth, huh? kinda catchy. could’ve been worse, though, right? you could’ve called me twig-snapper or rabbit-scarer or something.::

meredith let out a soft chuckle, the edges of her lips curling in something resembling a grin. well, loudmouth suits 'ya, she teased lightly, her sharp eyes glancing back at him for a brief moment before she continued walking. but don't go thinkin' i'll give ya another nickname. one name's enough for now.

she flicked an ear back in his direction, clearly still amused by his nervous chatter. i'm meredith, she offered finally, her tone casual but carrying the weight of someone comfortable in their own skin. and don't worry 'bout the rabbit. i'll catch plenty more.

her tail swayed gently as she moved, her stride confident and sure-footed through the forest. so, firefly, she said, his name rolling off her tongue with an almost playful lilt, what brought 'ye here?

firefly’s grin widened at her chuckle, and he puffed out his chest just a little, his tail wagging like a pup who’d just been praised. meredith, he repeated, testing the name out loud as if committing it to memory. nice to meet you—officially, i mean.

he trotted a little faster to keep pace with her, his amber eyes glancing at the trees around them as he considered her question. what brought me here? he echoed, his tone thoughtful. i guess... i’m looking for something. a purpose, maybe? or a place where i belong. 

his gaze flicked down to the frost-dusted ground for a moment, his usual enthusiasm dimming just slightly. back where i came from, i always felt like i didn’t quite fit. like i was... out of step with everyone else. too curious, too chatty, too— he gave a self-deprecating laugh, —too loud, i guess.

firefly glanced at her, his grin returning, though softer now. so, i left for a fresh start, somewhere i could figure out who i'm supposed to be.

he looked ahead, his tail wagging again. and, hey, it’s already looking up. i got to meet you, didn’t i? his tone was light, but there was a genuine warmth behind his words.

yeah, i get all that, meredith replied with a nod, though her eyes lingered ahead as she led the way. starting fresh, figuring out who you are... ain't easy, but it's worth it. her tone was even, not unkind, though there was a hint of something deeper beneath the surface.

she glanced at him sideways, the corner of her mouth tugging up faintly. but i don't like the quiet. too much thinking, not enough doing.

her pace quickened slightly, her steps light and purposeful as she guided him toward a familiar bend in the river. the sound of rushing water grew louder, mingling with the soft rustle of wind through the trees. when they reached the bank, meredith stopped and gestured with her nose toward the shimmering stream.

there. fish for days. her voice softened, the faintest hint of pride sneaking through. river’s alive, full of life. you can catch dinner if you’ve got the patience for it.

she turned her head to look at him, her expression unreadable for a moment before she added, almost teasingly, just... don’t scare ’em all off this time, loudmouth.

firefly's gaze swept over the river, his amber eyes wide with wonder. the sunlight danced across the rippling surface, and he took a hesitant step closer, feeling the cool spray on his nose. it was alive, just as meredith had said, teeming with movement beneath its glittering surface.

whoa, he breathed, his voice full of awe as he watched the shimmering water rush by. The sunlight danced on the surface, painting the ripples with streaks of gold. it’s... beautiful.

he turned to meredith, his grin wide and earnest. fish for days, huh? you really know all the best spots. his tail wagged as he trotted closer to the bank, leaning down to sniff at the cool water. the current was faster than he expected, and the fish darted unpredictably, their silvery shapes a blur beneath the surface.

firefly felt the blush building up again, a sheepish smile creeping on his lips. fishing had been a favorite pastime for him in a different lifetime, spending hours trying to swim the way they did with some moderate success. well this falls more in my skillset then hunting rabbits.

yeah, it’s something, ain’t it? she said, her voice softer than usual, almost thoughtful as she glanced at the shimmering water.

when firefly turned to her, all grins and wagging tail, she chuckled quietly, the sound low and warm. thanks for that, she said, her smile genuine this time, but fishin’ ain’t all luck, you know. it’s patience and timing.

she stepped closer to the water, the coolness brushing against her paws as she waded in just slightly. with a flick of her head, she motioned for him to follow. how about i teach you? show you how it’s really done.

firefly decided he liked her, though it was hard for him to find someone he didn't. his ears perked up at her offer, and a flicker of excitement danced in his amber eyes. you’d teach me? he asked, his voice brimming with eagerness as he scrambled to his paws. he followed her lead, stepping gingerly into the shallows, the chill of the water making him shiver slightly.  

his gaze darted between her and the river, his tail swishing in anticipation. he tried to mimic her stance, his movements clumsy but earnest, as if hoping to absorb her skill through sheer determination.  

alright, he murmured, his voice quieter now, his focus narrowing to the rippling current. his muscles tensed as he waited for her guidance, the playful energy in him giving way to a rare moment of stillness.  

firefly glanced at meredith briefly, a small, bashful smile tugging at his lips. thanks, he said, the word simple but heartfelt.

meredith glanced at him, the faintest hint of a smile curling at the edges of her lips. yeah, i’ll teach you, she said simply, stepping into the water with practiced ease. the chill didn’t bother her—it never had. she moved like the river was hers, like she belonged to it just as much as it belonged to her.

she crouched low, her paws planted firmly on the rocky bottom, and motioned for firefly to do the same. stay still. you gotta let the water forget you’re here. her voice was low and calm, blending with the sound of the current.

when the fish darted below, she tilted her head toward him, signaling for him to watch. with a sudden, precise motion, she lashed out, her jaws snapping around a slippery trout. she lifted her head triumphantly, the fish wriggling between her teeth before she dropped it onto the bank. like that.

she looked at him, her eyes alight with a mixture of challenge and encouragement. your turn.

firefly watched her with wide, admiring eyes, his tail giving a single, restrained wag as he tried to match her calm focus. she made it look so easy, moving like she was part of the river itself. he crouched low as instructed, the cold water swirling around his legs and tugging at his fur.  

let the water forget you’re here, he murmured to himself, repeating her words like a mantra. his body stilled, though his ears twitched at every splash and ripple around him.  

when a fish darted close, firefly’s eyes locked onto it. his muscles coiled as he waited, the tension building in his frame. then, in a burst of motion, he lunged.  

the water erupted around him, droplets flying in every direction as his jaws snapped shut. for a fleeting moment, he thought he had it—but when he surfaced, all he had was a mouthful of water and a very damp face.  

he blinked, sputtering slightly, before breaking into a sheepish laugh. well, uh... almost, right? he looked back at meredith, grinning despite his failure. guess the water hasn’t forgotten me just yet.

still, determination burned in his eyes as he steadied himself for another try.

meredith chuckled softly, her head tilting as she watched him. he was eager, if nothing else, and she found his determination amusing in a way that didn’t feel cruel. the way he talked to himself was endearing, a strange mix of focus and humor that made it hard not to smile.

yeah! sure, she said, her voice light, though her eyes carried a touch of mischief. but maybe next time don’t try to scare the river while you’re at it.

she moved beside him, her paws cutting through the water with ease as she scanned for another target. when she found one, she stilled, glancing back at him briefly. watch this, she murmured before lunging smoothly, her jaws slicing into the water and coming back with a wriggling fish clenched between her teeth.

meredith set it on the bank and looked back at him, her brow raised. go again, she said, her tone teasing but not unkind.

firefly’s ears twitched as her teasing words settled in, and a flicker of playful determination lit up his face. alright, alright, he muttered, his grin returning as he crouched again, this time mimicking the stillness she had demonstrated. 

the water rippled softly around him as he focused, his gaze narrowing on the faint shadows darting below. He inhaled deeply, his muscles coiling like a spring. the river seemed quieter now as he allowed himself to tune out all other sounds that normally would pull his attention away as the river's cold currents teased to wet his underside, almost as if it was daring him to try again. 

then, a flash of movement—a silver streak just within range. without overthinking, firefly lunged, his jaws snapping shut with a splash. when he surfaced, his eyes widened in disbelief as he felt the wriggling fish in his mouth. he quickly scrambled to the bank, dropping it onto the stones and staring at it as though it were a trophy. 

i did it! he exclaimed, his tail wagging furiously as he turned to Meredith, his amber eyes glowing with pride. did you see that? i actually did it!

he glanced back at the fish, his chest puffing out slightly. guess my sealegs are coming in he added with a playful smirk, though his excitement made it clear this moment was a victory he wouldn’t forget anytime soon.

meredith snickered softly at firefly’s excitement, her own tail giving a slow wag as she watched him proudly present his catch. not bad, loudmouth, she teased, the nickname slipping out with ease as she nodded toward his flopping prize. guess you’re not hopeless after all.

her gaze drifted to the river, where the shimmering forms of more fish danced just beneath the surface. we should catch a few more, she suggested, her tone shifting to something more practical. take ’em back to camp. can’t have everyone thinking we were out here wasting time. she gave him a sly smile, her eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and approval.

besides, she added, stepping closer to the water’s edge, can’t let you have all the glory. without waiting for a reply, she waded back into the river, her movements fluid and purposeful, her focus already back on the hunt.

fade in your next?

firefly beamed under the praise, his chest puffing out a little despite the teasing tone. not hopeless, huh? i’ll take that as high praise coming from you, he quipped, his tail wagging so hard it sent little sprays of water flying.

when meredith suggested catching more, his ears perked up, and he gave a determined nod. good idea! i mean, not that i'd mind basking in all the glory, but I guess sharing the credit wouldn’t hurt, he joked, his voice light and playful.

as she moved back into the river with practiced ease, firefly watched for a moment, admiring her skill and grace. shaking off the distraction, he splashed back into the water beside her, his paws steady this time as he scanned for his next target.

you better hurry, though, i've got a feeling i'm about to double my score, he added with a mischievous grin, crouching low and readying himself for another lunge. before he realized it, he begun to lessen his chatter and focus more on catching fish until the sun begun to sink into the horizon.

fadeeee