Shadewood shake your bones

A breath of air fled her lips as the ebony boy's heaving slowed to a far gentler pace, gasps softening, steadying; never was there a more relieving sight. "See? You got this," the snow empress lowered herself to the frozen earth, allowing him to creep closer in comfort - she would let him rest beside her for as long as he required. It would be cruel to send him away from the keep's security so soon.

But what to do?

Gwen had no knowledge of where this youth had come from - the scent on his fur reminded her briefly of the redhawks claim, but she knew it better to ask than to assume (what if he had no home?). So she'd wait, wrap him in her warm embrace until he was steady enough to speak.

Eventually after a while of quietude, the silence grew heavier, and the queen's mouth parted to speak softly to the boy. "...Do you mind me asking your name?" came the half whisper, though she'd understand if he found himself unwilling to speak as of yet - she had plenty of patience, and waiting was no issue.