Bitterroot Valley iv. loneliness

Alarian remained frozen, watching the girl-- but he detected no sign of malice. He relaxed only slightly at this. But the whine-- that confused him. The boy moved into action at her wordless request, lifting himself hesitantly from the ground. He drew nearer with careful steps, posture still timid, and sniffed at the air around her.
Are you okay? The boy asked gently, though he didn't expect an answer by now. The times he had met her, the girl had not spoken-- whether she could or not, he did not know. He lowered himself again as he came to a stop directly in front of her, but reached out simultaneously with his nose. It was a slow gesture, aimed for her shoulder on her unhurt side. Even if allowed, Alarian would not make contact-- if Reigi did not reject him, he would come to stop just inches away from her fur.