A Wolf In A Stoat's Body

Meadow looks at Rudyard, biting back a chuckle as he catches on that she has taken over Puff’s body. His words catch her off guard and a misty film appears in the stoat’s eyes as she shakes her head in the negative. When he hisses words at her, the stoat Meadow moves forward to place a small paw on his lips in an effort to stem the flow of words while using her other paw to make the universal sign of hush. Glancing back at the slumber form of Fern, the stoat’s shoulders slump in relief to find her still asleep.

Rudy speaks again, telling her to talk to Fern and Meadow, again, shakes her head no letting out a soft sigh. Emotions roll in her green eyes as she whispers softly, “I wish it was that easy Rudyard. You remember the Long Night? After she left the castle, Fern became very sick. I followed after her, trying to protect her as she walked around. The time she raved and yelled at me. I don’t want to risk that when she is…” A small paw gestures at her pregnant belly as her head shakes. Loving eyes look back to Rudy as she says, “But you really love her. I am glad she didn’t follow in my pawsteps in that regard.”

A soft, humorless chuckle escapes before she shakes the stoat’s head and swipes at the tears that sting her eyes. Looking to the gray wolf, Meadow says, “Rudyard, I cannot thank you enough for giving her what I could not. Our time together was too short and I would have loved to have you as my son.” She hesitates a moment before having her slender stoat body move up to his neck so she can throw her arms around his neck and offer a warm hug. As she holds him, the woman whispers, “Thank you, Rudyard. Just… tell her how proud I am. Okay? She’ll believe it coming from you.”

Her time with the gray wolf is drawing to a close and, not wishing to disturb him anymore, Meadow offers one more, gentle squeeze to the hug before unwinding her form from him. Placing a small kiss on his black nose, Meadow tells him, “Keep her safe, Rudy. I love you both so much.” With her message given, she takes Puff back to her basket and detaches her mind, thanking the loyal companion once more before disappearing into the night.


"Meadow Lark"