Crocodile tears

Fern wanders the plains near the castle, stretching her healing body and shoulder. Every now and then, she stops to look back at the castle, a small smile resting on her lips. While the circumstances of her return were less than ideal, the gray girl is delighted to be back. Still, in her short time back, she has seen neither hide nor hair of the one wolf she longs to see the most. Heaving a sigh, Fern slowly continues her walk, wondering how bad she has messed things up with Rudyard. Shaking her head, she tries to rid herself of the thoughts that weigh down her mind and soul. Maybe she can make everything up to Rudy one day. Maybe.

A howl for assistance catches Fern’s ears and she pauses for a moment. The voice… she knows that voice. Ice settles in her belly as she tries to decide if she should go aid Rudyard. He is probably trying to call for one of his siblings to help him. Surely, he doesn’t want her and her useless fighting skills. Her heart sinks as his words once more float through her mind. Looking in the direction of the call, Fern tries to remember the shame she had felt in that moment hoping it will help her turn her back on his call for help. Instead, all she finds is sadness and a yearning to make him proud of her. Paws carry her forward to the one wolf she has been the most nervous to see.

Swiftly, she moves across the land, careful not to pull the stitches that Gwynevere had meticulously applied too tightly. When Rudy’s form comes into view, Fern feels her throat constrict and tears burn the back of her eyes. She pushes her feels away as she spies his reason for the howl. A saltwater crocodile basks on the shore not far from Rudy makes slow, wide half-circles. Without a word, Fern moves to stand next Rudyard, falling into step with him easily. A wary smile appears as she drawls, “When you promised me adventures, I didn’t think you meant killing crocodiles.” Her voice is light and filled with humor trying to hide the chaotic mix of emotions buried inside.

The smile vanishes as Fern asks, “Plan of attack?” She will defer to him on strategy, hoping that he has fought one of these things before. Her stitched together shoulder will hinder her moment, not allowing for quick bursts of speed but Fern will do anything Rudyard asks of her. This is her chance to prove to him she is not useless.


"Fern"