5/1/2025, 4:39 PM
cloud lash did not shy from the male’s stare, though she felt it. her eyes—clear and red like wet berries against snow—cut to him once and then lowered, not in submission, but in thought. he was kind to help. quiet. she liked quiet.
when he returned with herbs tucked between his teeth, she watched him move. the touch of his flank near hers did not startle her, though her breath shifted just faintly as he leaned in. a tuck of her paw drew the satchel nearer, and she let him place the greens inside. her tail flicked in a light brush of thanks, almost shy.
her gaze met his, pupils wide with the hush of morning still around them. she touched her chest.
then, after a pause, she smiled—a small, crooked thing, like she wasn’t used to showing it. and she added in her quiet voice, thicker than common,
when he returned with herbs tucked between his teeth, she watched him move. the touch of his flank near hers did not startle her, though her breath shifted just faintly as he leaned in. a tuck of her paw drew the satchel nearer, and she let him place the greens inside. her tail flicked in a light brush of thanks, almost shy.
perseus,he said. the name rolled off his tongue, softer than she expected.
her gaze met his, pupils wide with the hush of morning still around them. she touched her chest.
nuvts’eyaȟa,she replied, careful with the pronunciation, knowing he may not understand but giving it anyway.
then, after a pause, she smiled—a small, crooked thing, like she wasn’t used to showing it. and she added in her quiet voice, thicker than common,
cloud… lash.her own name, in his tongue. a gift.