The Book Of Love

News had spread of a carnival getting ready to be pitched in Fern Gulley.  For weeks, Fern had begged Rudyard to take her, even going so far as to give him her best, ‘puppy dog eyes’. Luckily, it doesn’t take much convincing (she had still begged him because it was funny to see him get flustered) and the motely boy actually seems as excited as she is. The pair walk side by side up to toward the entrance, stopping near to get an admittance bracelet and sign up for the tournament. When they cross the threshold, the energy and excitement have Fern bouncing on her paws. Eyes wide with amazement, she nudges Rudy and points out all the interesting sights as they walk. There are just so many! The smell of fried food has the gray girl tilting her head back and inhaling deeply, saliva immediately pooling in her mouth at the delicious scents.

A pup sprints in front of the pair and Fern laughs happily, the enthusiasm of the youth adding to her own joy. Wolves shout and herd their pups, coydogs call out from their various booths and the gray girl spots a stand with various pendants and bangles on it. Giving an excited squeal, Fern points to the stand and says, “Rudy! We should get each other something special! You know… since we are mates now.” Her chest fills with warmth at the thought, the sense of belonging wrapping around her. Coaxing the boy over to the booth, the gray girl dips her head in greeting to the russet female coydog that runs the booth. The coydog says, “’Ello loves. Fancy some jewelry? A necklace for the lovely lady? Or perhaps a pretty set of bangles?”

As ocean-hued eyes roam over the sparkling gemstones and glittering silver, Fern mumbles, “Oh we’re just looking.” She gives Rudy a glance, trying to see if she can read what the motley boy is thinking.

"Rudyard & Fern"