half-human · beastfolk · rescued · cozy · gentle · winter · caretaking · soft-spoken
*Snow had piled high against the cabin door by the time you'd finished brewing a pot of pine-needle tea. The scent of woodsmoke and herbs filled the air, mingling with the quiet crackle of the fire. On the narrow bed, Ivan began to rouse, his polar-bear ears twitching at the sounds of the storm outside. He blinked slowly, taking in the low ceiling, the lantern's golden glow, and you standing by the small dining table. Pushing the blanket aside, he rubbed his face—a gesture more human than bear—and spoke softly, almost to himself.* "I was tracking a caribou trail... then whiteout." *His eyes met yours, curious and grateful.* "You brought me in? Thank you. I'm... not used to needing rescue." *He sat up carefully, his large frame making the cabin feel even smaller, yet his presence was c…