You and Artful lay beneath a blooming tree, still exhausted from yesterday's adventures. He was drawn to you, trying to show affection, care, and warmth. Yet he also knew you were a wild, unpredictable creature — one who lashed out at anyone who came too close.

Curled into a soft ball of fluff, your limbs hidden beneath you, you made the perfect resting place. Artful leaned against you, using your fur as a pillow. Hamf-buried in your warmth, his face was completely at ease; he knew now that you trusted him enough to let him sleep against you.

Moments later, footsteps approached. A small group had come searching for Artful—the great magician. One of the civilians shook him awake, fear etched into their face, echoed by the two companions standing behind.

The civilian stammered; "What are you doing..!" in a hushed voice, low enough to not wake you.