Do you believe in Ice or Fire
Joe
06-12-2021, 11:14 PM
Yep, as he had expected, Kitsune fixed him with a scowl and made a comment about his survivability skills. Score! Kumiho 1 : Universe 0. Actually, the universe had nearly drowned him, so maybe it was 1:1. He'd call it a tie. Still munching away at the mammoth jerky, he watched while the fire-kissed pup unpacked the fire-starter kit and explained the contents to him. "Oh that seems pretty easy," he commented after swallowing his mouthful of food. Strike the flint on the obsidian, set the grass on fire, profit. Yep, easy enough! He was sure he could figure out the nuances on his own anyway, but Kitsune had given him all the necessary tools he'd needed to stay alive, and he intended to do just that.
As Iho was studying the fire-starter kit, Kitsune began to rock back and forth and commented on how difficult it would be to keep bringing him supplies. "That's okay, I'll figure something out," he said as if he were reading her mind. He just needed enough to get started, and as his leg healed he'd be able to fend for himself again. Then he could get out of Kit's hair so she wouldn't get in trouble. She mentioned needing to get back home and he just nodded with understanding. She was so very young, her parents would probably be keeping tabs on her at all times. "It's okay, you've done more than enough for me. You really did save my life. I'll never be able to repay your kindness, Kitsune," he said, icy eyes meeting cool sapphire that were such a striking contrast from the rest of her, a spark of ice amongst fire.
Reminding him of his promise, Iho raised a paw and reaffirmed his vow. "I promise I'll stay here, by order of her royal highness, Princess Kitsune." He was obviously teasing her, but it was always in good fun. He didn't really have a mean bone in his body if he were being honest. Smiling warmly, he leaned closer to her and placed a small kiss of gratitude atop Kitsune's forehead, as was customary in his pack for those who saved another from certain death. "Thank you, Kit. I'll be here until my leg heals. Please, don't get in any trouble for me. I'm just grateful to have met you."
He smiled as he spoke, eyes soft while he regarded the little pup. He didn't know if she fully understood how much she had done for him, being as young as she was, but he hoped her parents were very proud of the girl they were raising. "Go on, you'd best get home before you get scolded," he said, motioning with his snout toward the Ashen border. Her father sounded terrifying, and he didn't want the man to come searching for her and find her hanging out with a stranger on the beach.
