Mount Everfall scintillate bright like a diamond

Laika appeared, her pearlescent fur glowing in the downlight of the sun, and for a long moment Cas merely watched the girl approach, unsure of what he would say when she was near. too soon was the girl before him, her eyes watchful, sides heaving with the breathlessness of her worry. a long moment passed before the boy was able to speak.

"my family is on the other side of the mountains -- my dad is dead. i haven't seen my mother in months, or my sisters, or my brother. i've lost ... someone very close to me, and -- and i'm tired of losing people, Laika. i'm tired of being alone."

he stepped toward her then; if she allowed, Casmir dipped his muzzle beneath her own and stood close, breathing in the sweet fragrance of her breath and of her fur before he murmured, "i want to be your mate."