Ella's Wild Beasts

CHAPTER 12

The next three days continued on in much the same way. Wake, tend fire, collect wood, wait for daily bundle of food, cook, eat together, clean up, work on drying any pelts, spend time by pool, sock fire with a couple thicker branches or a log, go to bed. She was starting to get used to everything quit nicely. Once Fox noticed she seemed to like pelts he hunted furry animals almost exclusively, the odd bird or two also earned him praise.

  In her time by the pool she had found some clay deposits it the stream and had a small collection of bowls and cups. She had a couple drying out and the ones that were done with that she tried her hands at firing them with her campfire. It took her many trys to find a technique that didn't either scorch or crack them but now she kept a jug of water by her nest with a cup and bowl she made.

   She had just finished the cool down process on another jug and was inspecting it to see if she need to break it down to recycle the clay when Fox was whining behind her. A little startled by his behavior she asked "Whats wrong Fox?" More whining and sniffing while looking up. Ella looked up and at first she didn't notice but then saw a large dark cloud moving their way, steadily consuming the distant sky into dark swirling masses. Now she understood, a storm was coming, and a bad one at that.

   Ella immediately got to work. She first started with collecting fire wood and noticed Fox nearby running mouthfuls of branches and moss away. When she came back with her first arm load she realized her main problem. She had become too complacent and had never upgraded her shelter. As she was panicking, knowing her shelter was in no way equipped for the coming storm she noticed Fox grabbing her firewood and running to his, perpetually under construction, burrow. When he came back for another load he walked over to her and circled her waist with his tail.

   Pulling her and her load along, quickly directing Ella to the burrow entrance. Confused she didn't argue. She hesitated at the edge of the dark burrow earning a small growl and slightly more insistent nudging with his nose. Not wanting to be drug in or to fall down she carefully went in. She was pulled in further than she thought possible and could only hope Fox wouldn't let her trip because she saw nothing. When she made it to the where he was leading her, she heard him drop his sticks, they clattered loudly so she dropped her load to.

   Fox led her in and out many times with all her things as the storm grew quickly closer. When she had most of her possessions in the burrow she stared at the fire. Ella needed it, now for light as well, his burrow was so dark. Suddenly getting an idea she grabbed her new jug and used a nearby stick to push embers and coals inside. Once she was done she quickly carried the ever heating jug, thankful that the small handle wasn't breaking, towards the burrow. When she was at the entrance Fox was by her side in and instant.

   His mouth was full of what appeared to be her bedding, and led her inside. The embers gave off the softest of light but it was enough to make it so she could see Foxe's side dimly. He now led her to a different space. There seemed to be a whole other chamber. Inside Fox took her to the center, and she was shocked when she crouched to see a fire pit lined with stones, just like hers. Getting to work quickly, as her hands were starting to sting. Ella gently poured the contents into the pit and asked fox to bring her a few branches. When she had a small flame going she noticed just how spacious this burrows chamber was.

   With how large Fox was he was able to move unhindered unless moving through the small hallway into the other chamber and the entrance. The dirt seemed secure and well packed. Ella gently ran a finger on the smooth wall. In the flickering light she just realized she was alone. After listening for a bit she thought she heard paw steps enter the burrow before a loud thunder clap made her give a shout. She knew she was safe here but the violent sound still scared her. In an instant he was at her side. Sniffing her all over and whimpering. "It's okay. I was just startled." Whine. "It's ok. Thank you sweet boy. You're so good." His tail seemed to be less bristled and was leaning into the pets.

   Noticing him enjoying himself she figured he deserved more praise after everything. "Good, sweet, smart boy. Your burrow is amazing. It's so well done. I'm so proud." Now he was practically glowing. It seemed he would have lift off soon with rate his tail was going. "Thank you for letting me in. I love it." After that she gave his nose a little peck and he froze. Thinking she might have messed up, she was about to apologize when he had her gently pressed to the ground with his cuddles. Rubbing his head all over her letting out happy yips and little sounds that reminded her of purring.