Ella's Wild Beasts

CHAPTER 13

It was hard to stop the cuddle session, but it needed done. She asked Fox to bring all the fire wood into the smaller room. While organizing the wood it was then she realized the new issue, smoke was starting to collect and Fox kept sneezing. "Fox can I make a small change to your den so it won't be smokey?" Nod. After receiving permission she got to work. She used a long branch to dig a hole about six inches across up to the surface. She hoped being under the canopy of trees would help prevent water from coming in or she would have to go out to set something up. It wasn't long before she couldn't reach higher. Ella paused then glanced at fox lying down nearby. Probably trying to avoid the smoke. "Fox." He glanced up. "I can't reach any higher. Can I sit on you and you lift me up so I can finish?"

   With his doggy grin he came and crouched next to her. Looking at him she carefully climbed up with her branch. When he stood her head came close to the ceiling. She directed him closer to the hole and kept digging. When she broke through the surface, using her shirt over her nose and mouth to help block the smoke and falling dirt, she waited a bit to see if water would start to come in but none ever did. She could already see tendrils of smoke heading up her makeshift chimney. Pleased with her success she tossed the branch to the side and leaned down to hug Fox with her achy, tired arms. He lowered back to the ground and laid there with her hugging him. She could feel from the movement of his back muscles that he was wagging his tail again.

   When she climbed off him she gave him her thanks and a pat on the head. She then got to more work. She would ask him to grab some of her belongings and bring them in. With the jugs she kept them near the door so incase they were toppled the fire would be safe. Of course her water jug was empty so it could be easily moved. She knew her still wet projects were done for and would need remade when the storm passed. Next, she arranged the still drying pelts near the fire and made a pile of her finished ones. Five dry and 8 drying rabbit pelts. She hoped the fire method worked out. She had her sharp stone pieces off to the side and put all her large leaves there as a clean surface of sorts. With all her things set up she grabbed her water jug and a branch with a lit end then headed toward the entrance. When she got closer to the entrance Fox let out a small growl and blocked her path. "Fox I need water." He whined with his ears back but didn't move. "Fox if I can't have this water everytime in thirsty I'll need to go outside. That will be many times every day." He stopped whining but leaned in and gingerly grabbed the jug. She let go not wanting to break it if a tug of war started. With that he gave her a pointed look and nudged her back to the other room.

   Sighing Ella accepted the lost fight and conceded. Soon Fox returned, carefully carrying the jug. His fur was damp but not soaked. He probably shook off before he came in. She took the jug and took a drink. "Thank you Fox." Then set it with everything else. "Do you think the storm will last a long time?" Fox gave a nod then continued grooming the water from his fur. Sighing she said "I'll try not to be a burden. I'll leave after the storm stops and I'll find a place to set up my camp." His fur was bristled again and he let out a small growl. "What's that for?" He moved and blocked the hall and looked at her again and whined. "You want me to stay?" Small wag. "I wouldn't be bothering you?" He let out a small bark and stamped one of his front paws. With the cute little tantrum Ella laughed. "Okay. I'll stay. Not like I could do any better than this." Fox came over and gave her cheak a lick before going back to his grooming.

   After a few hours of fire tending and lazing about she asked. "Fox, what about food?" With that fox went to the other room and came back with a small deer. Gently laying it by her sharp stones and then turning and going back into the other room. When he came back again he reveled a small hastily made leaf bundle of berries. "Oh my good sweet boy! You're so smart." He sat to the side looking proud. He sat to the side as she prepared their dinner.

   After dinner and the pelt was set to dry she asked him where she would use the bathroom and it was only then she was led outside. He held a large leaf over her and when she finished her business was brought back inside. Afterwards he led her to a huge nest of moss, and dried leaves/grasses. When she was settled he gingerly joined her. Appreciative of the extra warmth to fight the chill of the stormy night, she curled into his side and he tucked his tail against her exposed front.