silver beneath the surface

Ellara watched Atreyu work with admiration, her movements precise and practiced. As Atreyu began to season the fish, Ellara felt a deeper connection forming between them, a bond forged through shared traditions and the simple joy of preparing a meal together.

Taking the thyme from Atreyu, Ellara carefully stripped the tiny leaves from the stems, her nimble paws making quick work of it. She sprinkled the fragrant leaves into the fire, the aroma growing richer and more enticing. "Thyme really is amazing," she said with a smile, enjoying the pleasant, earthy scent that filled the air. "Thank you for showing me all of this."

As they waited for the fish to cook, Ellara noticed a flutter of movement above them. Two Barred Owls with mocha markings swooped down from the trees, their large, curious eyes fixed on the fish roasting over the fire. They landed gracefully on a nearby branch, their heads tilting inquisitively as they chirped softly to each other, clearly interested in the scent of their cooking.

Ellara chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like we have some new friends," she said, nodding towards the owls. "I think they want a taste of our breakfast."

The owls continued to watch, their soft chirps growing more insistent as they eyed the fish expectantly. Ellara felt a warm sense of delight at their presence, the scene adding an extra layer of magic to the already special morning.

She glanced at Atreyu, a playful smile on her lips. "What do you think? Should we share a bit with our feathered friends?" The idea of sharing their meal with the owls felt right, a small act of gratitude to the forest that had provided for them.