© 2002-2024 Kim Stewart
Part 2

Something caught her eye and her focus was changed. A single feather floated from the sky. It touched the ground softy and sat there.

**I've always loved you…**

There was a flutter in her breast, she felt it when he said it the first time. Why did she feel that? She stared at the feather as if the inanimate object could give her the answer. She crouched down and ever so gently plucked it from the dirt.
Deep down she knew the answer. There were long suppressed feelings still there and his sending brought them floating to the surface. She brushed a few specks of dirt off the rather long feather. Long ago when they were young she admired them both, even loved them. However, in the long run Talon stood out from the pair. He was the bad boy to Hawkeye's quiet obedience. Maybe it's the downfall of many maidens, but the exciting risk takers often won.

She paused in mid stroke. What if she and Hawkeye had recognized? She tilted her head thoughtfully and studied the feather as if she was studying the elf himself. As the answer came to her, her brain seemed to freeze. She probably would have loved him just as deeply.

**Rest.**

MudSpatter's tired thought jerked her out of her deep thinking. "Oh… My friend, I'm so sorry." She tucked the feather into her shirt and turned her attention to the Hurst. "Let's get you to a warm spot." She offered the wolf a gentle smile and wrapped her arms around his neck, breathing in his scent. "I can't express my joy to have you back."

**Hawkeye?** The wolf asked curious as he had obviously touched upon her feelings.

"Can wait for another day. Right now, you are my only concern." That stated she led the wolf into the Hurst.