Golden Glade We're only hearts and bones and blood

The little dancer twirled through the glade, moving to a song only she could hear. If there was anyone around to break her solitude, Foxglove was unaware of it. She was lost in her own world.

Spring was her favorite time of year, though her family largely seemed to favor the bright warmth of high summer. There was just something about it; the way the air still held a chill to it, but fresh and green now with new growth; the way the forests and meadows sang with busy life. The world always awoke in high spirits, much like Foxglove herself. Maybe that was why she liked it so much.

So she danced to the song of spring, as carefree and featherlight as her mother before her.

A gold-coated stranger stands ahead. His tail lifts as he watches them twirl and prance, and for a moment he wishes to join them. The display is so joyous, it's difficult to resist.

She holds his still expression as he observes. Unable to join, but perfectly able to watch.

Slowly, she became aware that she was being watched. A boy; a stranger. Or... perhaps not a stranger? There was something familiar in his giltfire eyes, something in the elegance with which he held himself, that spoke to her of home. Maybe it was only the lingering memory of a mother who loved her more than anything in the world.

Still, Foxglove was immediately captured by his eyes. In the midst of her dance she stilled, one paw still lifted from the ground as if she meant to spring back into movement at any moment. Her ears twitched. Hello, Fox managed to call out after a moment, a little breathless.

As she suddenly called out to him, Sunchaser felt his face flush. He seemed to shrink into himself, a bit embarassed that he had been spotted.

..Hello. He called back to her after a moment, aiming to remain still enough not to be percieved a threat. Even the sweetest looking wolves could be cruel, that much he knew from his travels.

Avoidance was a skill he had built over time, but for one reason or another he feels drawn to her. He can't run this time.

Her ears swiveled to and fro as she took him in, half-listening for any sign of others. No hint of any presence aside their own — but then, what else could cause such retiring demeanor in a wolf? He was bigger than her, no doubt about that, and at a glance he seemed stronger too. She regarded him in silence for a moment.

Are you alright? Foxglove finally decided to ask, daring a step closer to the boy. About her age, she decided. She couldn't remember the last time she'd spoken to someone her own age, but somehow she did not feel nervous. Not yet, at least.

He seemed to freeze as the question was asked. How could he be alright? She was a complete stranger, and yet her presence was so..

I'm alright. He responded after a moment of tension. Could I.. ask your name?

They had to know each other; someone from his youngest days, a face long forgotten. It was the only explanation here.

He didn't seem alright. Foxglove opened her mouth to call out his lie, but closed it just as quickly, remembering that people did not often take kindly to such. Her mother had said once that some wolves simply didn't like to face the truth so baldly; they needed it covered in honey, or it would be too bitter for them. Fox wasn't sure what a honeyed version of I think you're lying would sound like — so she chose not to say it at all.

Fox, she answered without thinking, and then: Well, Foxglove. Well... Rusty Foxglove Medeiros is my whole name. But I like Fox. Her ears went hot, and after a small pause she added, What about you?

Sunchaser. He answered promptly, as though she would find that he once more was not speaking the whole truth if he had been any slower. Sunchaser was what he had kept; he wished to push the rest from his identity. It was easier that way.

Eyes flicking from the face of the gilded girl to the ground beneath them were quick to betray his nerves. Well.. nice meeting you, Fox. With that he made a not-so-graceful exit, a trot that grew into a sprint. He was not quite sure where he was going, he just knew he wanted to be away from here.

It was just.. too confusing.