a moment's breath

As the words left her mouth, she felt so horribly stupid. How was it fair for her to turn on Tika like that? To scold her in the middle of the festival? This place was supposed to be about love and all the good things in life. Yet, what she said needed to be said and she didn't regret that. Even more so when Tika's own eyes pricked with tears and promised that she would try to enjoy their time here. A gentle smile rested on her lips as she lifted her face to reach up as much as she could to place a light kiss on Tika's cheek.

When her paws rested flatly back on the ground, she huffed under her breath. "That's okay, I think I know what we should do," her voice lilted into a happier note as her face turned to glance around them. While there were many booths to choose from, one stood out in particular. Across a bench covered in a fine and colorful tapestry, crudely yet beautifully made jewelry was laid out. The gemstones glinted in the summer sun as if inviting her to draw closer to it. Moving her paws without another word, she knew her protective girlfriend would follow suit. No matter where she was, she knew Tika would be there for her.

Coming to a stop in front of the booth, the coydog behind it grinned gleefully with a clap of its paws. Their words chimed about how they were made and what each one meant. One particular necklace stood out to her with a leather strap and a medium-sized jewel the color of the setting sun on it. It would be perfect. "I can give you some mushrooms, the good kind, for that necklace," Audra murmured quietly to the coydog. They thought for a moment before nodding and accepting her trade. Clasping the necklace gently between her teeth, she turned toward Tika.

"For you, to know I'm always close to your heart," her words are soft as she holds out the necklace. "You, uh, might have to lean down a bit for me to help you get it on," Audra's cheeks flush as her tail wags behind her.

"Audra & Avantika"