The yard quieted after Kael's words, broken only by the faint chorus of crickets starting their nightly song.
Rue and Rina stayed wrapped around the bear's massive paw and leg, their little faces pressed against fur that still smelled faintly of soil and pine.
The bear didn't move at first. His heavy gaze lingered on them as if trying to understand the strange warmth they offered.
Then, with a deep grunt, he gently scooped them up in his massive claws.
The girls squealed in surprise, but their laughter spilled out freely as he placed them both atop his broad back.
"Hold on," the bear muttered.
Then, with a heavy thud, he collapsed onto the earth once more, sprawling out with his usual grumpy air.
Rue and Rina bounced a little on his back before breaking into a fit of giggles, patting his fur like it was the softest bed in the world.
Kael's smile flickered, subtle but real, as he watched them.
