peppermint winter

Indigo lowered himself further into the water, dipping his chin and face as he rid himself of the cat’s and his own blood from violet fur. With Duchess help the task was over with blessed quickness. He lifted his head from the water and wasted no time in returning to dry land as the tiny purple marked she wolf proclaimed him free of the blood that stained him. Indigo shook himself as he straightened, trying hard not to get Duchess as he did so. He lifted an arm so she could drape one old fur over his arm as she struggled to put it somewhere. Indigo only barely hid an amused grin.

He used the fur to get the really drippy stuff off his chest and legs before throwing it over his back and returning to the castle with haste. Duchess was swift on her delicate paws and despite the wind cutting through him Indigo didn’t mind the canter. The yearling was still shivering when they reached the castle despite the exercise. He was sure to grab a couple fresh furs from his own little cubby on their way towards the fire.

There wasn’t anyone there, he was both thankful for and cursed, as the fire wasn’t incredibly big. Indigo lay the furs near Duchess spot and tended to the fire, giving it some of the old dried firewood that they’d found stored away. After he’d already done too much, Indigo’s attention was brought down to Duchess and the pretty paw she placed against his leg. As his brain began to thaw Indigo could smile and accept her unspoken command. With little coaxing he made himself comfortable in the pile of fur.

Duchess lowered herself close to him even with his wet fur. The yearling boy could now fully appreciate her closeness and the warmth she offered him as she stretched out her tiny paws over his massive toes. Indigo felt an easy smile linger on his expression, it wasn’t a normal emotion but he was grateful to Duchess for putting it there. Indigo sighed softly and draped his head over Duchess' shoulders. Finally he stopped shivering.