Swiftcurrent Creek Baby I'm not fooling

gifts for thee! let @Winslet post first :D : @Arlette @Arric @Etienne (since he healed Winnie), @Akavir for vis since I don't think he's back yet (could be wrong!)

The journey to Swiftcurrent Creek had been long but steady, the kind of travel that settled deep into Cole’s bones without breaking him. The air was crisp with the lingering bite of winter, the ground hardened beneath their steady steps.
Strapped across his broad back were multiple elk hides, packed tight with dried meat—a gift meant to honor the goodwill of their neighbors. Winslet, walking beside him, carried her own share, a carefully bundled collection of herbs and medicinal plants, gathered with care and intention.
As they neared the border, Cole slowed, scanning the unfamiliar terrain with a sharp, calculating gaze. The last thing he wanted was to be met with hostility.
He turned to Winslet, lowering his head slightly to meet her eyes. You stay right here, he said firmly, a protective edge in his voice. He didn’t doubt her strength, but there was a certain peace of mind in keeping her close, keeping her safe.
Then, lifting his muzzle to the sky, he let out a deep, resonant howl—a call meant for Swiftcurrent Creek's leadership, a signal of their arrival, their intent.
And then, he waited.

she had not anticipated song a long, arduous journey. it was a struggle to keep pace with her man—he was far stronger, had much more stamina. but she managed. she hadn't journeyed this far since her flee from her homeland, and she certainly hadn't gotten out since the coyote attack. 

her limbs ached, but she voiced no complaint. as her excitement to finally be able to thank swiftcurrent muted any and all discomfort. in her jaws clutched a bundle of assorted herbs, plants, simple comforts. hides from hares and fawns, pretty smelling flowers in case there were women amongst the midst that might enjoy them. 

her tail swayed calmly at her hocks, willowy fur rustled the slightest from the trek. and when they arrived, her heart swelled with anticipation, not with threats or worry. these wolves had been kind enough to aid her in dire need, when they surely could have turned a blind eye. why should she fear them? 

but alas, when cole told her to stay put, she obeyed. and when his howl pierced through the sounds of the forest, she would gently set the bundle of gifts at her feet to join him with her own softer, welcoming song.

Arric heard the call and heeded it. Grabbing the quiet healer Etienne before he went further. Etienne had been sleeping and Arric had felt bad disturbing the young man. He had a lot on him lately, but he didn't complain.

He approached and dipped his head. Hello. How can I help you? Then blue eyes took in the gifts and the wolves and he wondered if these were the ones Etienne had helped recently. That would make sense.

The gentle healer looked on with golden eyes. 

I have powerplayed Eti in this one. You can just imagin ehim standing there.  SOrry it isn't longer. I"m at work lol

Cygnet grew restless, and after hearing of conflict brewing near the coast, she felt herself ruminating on the prospect of making herself useful with a mission. 

Normally solitary, she began to patrol more, and when a summons came, she moved to linger not far from Arric and Etienne, her one labradorite eye roving from the tall man to the woman beside him, catching on the elk fur they seemed to have brought with them. Something else, she could smell, but couldn’t see. 

She flicked her tongue over her lips, secretly hoping that these wolves had come bearing gifts.

Cole dipped his head in a slow, respectful gesture. His golden eyes moved between each of the Swiftcurrent wolves—first to the man who'd approached, then to the silent healer, and lastly to the dark-eyed woman who lingered not far off.
I reckon you’re the ones who helped her, he said, voice low and steady, the way a river carves into stone. He glanced over his shoulder, back toward Winslet. She wouldn’t be standing here if not for you.
He shifted the weight of the bison hide from his shoulder, letting it fall to the earth in one fluid motion. We brought somethin’. Ain’t much, but it’s honest, he added, stepping aside to reveal the gifts: the cured strips of dried meat, the hide still warm with scent, and Winslet’s carefully bundled herbs and pelts.
He looked toward Etienne then, a beat longer, as if trying to read what might not be spoken. Figured it’s past time we gave thanks. And not just in words. He gestured with his muzzle toward the goods.
Then, quieter, as though the words weren’t meant for the wind: You helped her. You helped me.
He cleared his throat, looking to Arric once more. We’re from Bearclaw Valley. Name’s Cole. This is my wife, Winslet. We’d be obliged if you’d accept what we brought. And if you ever need the favor returned… you know where to find us.

winslet peers past the broad form of her husband, a welcoming smile working its way to bless her expression. watching as the man and woman from swiftcurrent arrive with inquisition. they are no threat; and so she steps forward, no longer shielded behind cole but taking her rightful place beside him. placing the bundle of her own gifts down, her tail swaying with friendly intent. her offering did not provide precious meats and plush hides, but she hoped to return what their healers might have used on her wounds.

the memory is not as painful. not now, when she's standing beside the man who saved her, and standing in front of the diligent, skilled hands that healed her. "i cannot express how grateful i am, to have been tended by your healers. you saved my life; and i can only wish to properly repay you." her words are gentle, thoughtful. her honesty and care woven with each syllable. "you came to my aid when it was not your responsibility. i, well...i owe you my life." her eyes soft with emotion that wells in her throat.

"if you need anything at all, please let us know." she parroted her husbands words, before she leaned against his strong side with a yearning smile.