the swift uplifting rush

Unfortunately Erebos wouldn’t have much explanation beyond how or why Orsino opted for bonding over remaining out in the wild. Maybe the frost fox had pictured a life of luxury, knew enough about humans to understand he’d have a good home, or was just as impulsive as the youth he’d connected with. Erebos’ head tilted fondly though, grin remaining in its charitable beam, only mildly smug at his luck. Perhaps it’d been more than that – like destiny or kismet or some such – but he’d like to believe he’d forged his own fortune there, being determined enough to go and try.

But her own description of the sear cat caused his brows to furrow slightly, glancing down at the table as if it were something to examine, rather than his own thoughts racing along at their warped speed. “That sounds neat! How come he doesn’t want to stay with you though?” He wouldn’t be surprised if every single animal had their own motives and aspirations, but something being fed all the time was sure to be, at least, a little thoughtful in wanting that constantly. Something safe and warm and generous.

When the question swung back to him though, he shrugged. “It was this weird, sudden connection. I could feel his soul with mine. I don’t even know if it was on purpose or if it just happened.” But it had, and for that was he grateful. “You kinda just know – because there are feelings and stuff that aren’t yours.”

erebos

and then we dream so much

Got the dreamer's disease

The question has all the potential to send her plummeting to depths of despair where motivations require discernment beyond her grasp (and seemingly, those of her parents as well). However, she has asked this very question of both Ever and Isla as well, and while they have attempted to shape it into something that lands clean, the truth of the matter is a bit muddier between don't know and give it time.

So Fern gathers a breath just to puff it out, like she needed to physically release the difficulty of the answer. "I think he's scared because my dad can turn into a dog." This has been her best guess. "Cats and dogs don't really get along. I keep trying to tell him when I see him that we're nice and we'd keep him warm and dry and well fed and that I'd play with him every day, but..." she shrugs. There's no accusation to the notion that Ever's the one keeping the cat at bay, in part because she's wholly convinced that the cat will come around in time. Truthfully, it's all manner of creature that've been eating the chicken they leave out, and the sear cat hasn't gained too much influence from all her attempts, usually ducking away before she blows his cover to everything he's trying to hunt.

Drawn back to the description of Erebos' bonding though, Fern's back to fully engrossed at the idea of it all. She inhales with an excited little gasp at the thought of unexpected thoughts and feelings, and as if they've just passed a ghost story she shudders a bit. "Whoa, that sounds really strange but also amazing!" Before she can pop her mouth open to say more, a familiar bark calls to her from the crowd. Unknowingly, the festival has begun to wind down around them.

"Oh!" she says suddenly, standing up and grabbing her plate back in hand. "I have to go. Bye Erebos!" She starts to dart away, but calls out over her shoulder, "tell Orsino I said hi!"

[FIN]

Fern

This world is gonna pull through, don't give up