Secret Adventure

Rudy had told her that they were going to train today and Fern had eagerly agreed to some alone time with him. Since the raid and the start of her training with Art, the gray girl has been spending more and more time away from Rudy’s side. But right now, Fern is following after Rudy, laughing and chasing his mottled form from one end of the shore to the other. Happiness follows the pair, in their laughter, in the joyful squeaks of surprise from Fern when Rudy would drop back to circle her. Rudy seems stronger than ever and it thrills the gray girl to see him healthy… and happy. They run, lope, and dart around, moving ever onward, toward some unknown goal. Well… unknown to her. Rudy leads her toward the trees that bend and rustle from the sea breeze. Breathlessly, Fern follows him into the trees, eager to be close to Rudy.

And then… they break the tree line.

Fern immediately stops, the thundering roar of the waterfall drawing her eyes upward to the crystal-clear water that spills down the rock wall. The water collects in pool at the bottom, raised off the floor of the forest by a stone basin. With wide, wonder filled eyes, Fern moves forward slowly, taking in the beauty and splendor of this hidden paradise. Everything is green, the water bringing life to the plants that crowd the pool and butt up against the streams of water that spill over the sides. Trees lean over the from the top of the waterfall, offering shade and privacy from prying eyes. Her mouth hangs open as Fern absorbs it all, turning slowly in place to try and see everything. Rudy’s voice breaks through her dream like stupor and Fern turns tear filled eyes to him.

It isn’t just the beauty of this place that makes the tears spring up, it is also the fact Rudy kept his promise to her. A wide smile appears as the tears break their dam and slide free. When she finds her voice, Fern says, “Oh Rudy. This is…” Her voice falters and Fern doubts she can properly voice just how special this is to her. Instead, the gray girl steps forward, pressing her body into Rudy’s chest while sitting down. Once she is seated, Fern wraps both of her front legs around Rudy’s middle and buries her face into his fur. The tears fall mixing into his coat and Fern contents herself with holding onto him for as long as she can. When she pulls back, wiping the remnants of her tears away with a paw, she chuckles softly, leaning back to look into Rudy’s eyes. her voice is soft as she says, “This is magical Rudy. I… I can’t thank you enough. For everything.”

"Fern"