4/7/2025, 8:36 PM
The raccoon padded closer, his odd paws and unusually bright, clear eyes garnering Solulfur's full attention. She dipped her chin and pricked her ears at the beast, not used to reading the raccoon's body language and not quite sure if she was about to be ridden about like he often did with Solvi or bitten. She hoped neither.
Neither did happen, because instead Bjarki opened his tiny maw and spoke to her.
He was, to his credit, very polite. It was this and his soft tone that likely protected him from Solulfur's instinct to sink her teeth into something she did not understand, which had thoroughly startled her. Her jaw dropped, but she did not move to strike, only stared at the raccoon.
Her golden gaze slid upward as Solvi interjected, realizing that the blonde was just as surprised as she. Solulfur did not bother to school her features like she would normally, when faced with potential embarrassment over not being in perfect control all the time. Solvi was as trusted an ally as could be, and Solulfur did not fear lowering some of her walls around her. Just being in the Mender's presence was akin to basking in a sunbeam's gentle, restorative warmth.
Bjarki, too, held some of that calm about him. And Solulfur had known him since he was a waterlogged, weak cub. After a moment, her alarm still faint in the creases across her expression, Solulfur gave the raccoon a mild, appreciative nod.
Then, I...would ask. When the time comes, I would appreciate your assistance.She kept her gaze on Bjarki's green one as she addressed him, before glancing up to Solvi, who had also not been aware of the raccoon's ability for speech. Awkwardness was not something she enjoyed wearing, and often discarded it in favor of a false sense of confidence. Now, though, Solulfur walked the line between the two demeanors carefully.
If you'd like, I can...leave you to acquaint with your...With Bjarki.Then, because her curiosity was stronger than her politeness:
He'd never spoken before? Truly?
