The rejection left a sour look on her face. Side stepping the shove with furrowed brows. She pushed the squirrel back under the roots and stepped after the stranger. Her ears flattened with a sigh.
That tantrum hadn’t lasted long, hadn’t gotten her far. “Hey, take a deep breath” she sighed, keeping her distance this time. “My claws are sheathed, I am twice your size, I know these woods. Sweetheart I’m not here to hurt you” she approached slowly.

“I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I can promise you’re allowed to rest now. You’re safe in ichorwoods” her voice was gentle and calm, not babying daylily but talking to her like an adult. Calm and steady.

“Come back to the den with me, alright? Then we can talk” she suggested. There was genuine care in her tone, focused on the other.