Mavourneen sat up, seeing the bear curled up by the fire. She rose from the bed and approached him, “Bear?” she asked, looking around in confusion, “Bear where are we?”

The bear lifted his tired head to look at her and licked her arm. He stood and shook his head before gently pushing her toward the rocking chair with his nose. 

The princess, laughing at the bear’s behaviour, approached the chair where she found an envelope and several folded articles of clothing. She picked up the envelope and pulled out it read, "Forgive me for the abruptness but it had been late last night and you hadn't woken to return to your room. I didn’t want to leave you to catch cold during the night, so I’ve taken you to my humble and momentary home. You are welcome to return anytime you wish or to stay at your request but for no longer than three days. Speak of it and it shall be given."

The bear had gone to wait outside, by the time she had turned around. She sighed and looked at the kirtle on the chair, it was a pink piece with golden flowers embroidered on the hems. Beneath the dress was folded a cloak of a golden gossamer. With a delighted gasp she put both on and ate a small meal she had found warming by the fire. When she had finished she went to the exit of the cave to find the bear who patiently sat at its entrance. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and placed a hand on the bear’s head. 

The woods gathered around the mouth of the cave and sloped down to a little creek. The edges of the glen speckled themselves with morels, violets, and crocuses while the sun caught itself in the leaves overhead.

Mavourneen bit her lip letting her surroundings soak in, marvelling in silence, she lifted her skirts and worked her way down to the creek’s inviting waters.

The bear followed, coming to walk by her side and occasionally nudging her shoulder in a playful way. 

She laughed and hugged him around the neck, “I don’t mind staying at all,” she grinned, walking up to the creek bed, “It’s nice and quiet, except for the birds,” she paused, turning her gaze from the trees to the forest floor, “I’ll be able to come again?” 

With a cold, wet nose the bear nuzzled her cheek in a way that said, “Yes.”