Over the roar of the falls, she didn't hear him coming; it was only the flash of cream in the corner of her eye that caught her attention. Lily turned, smiling, ears canted far forward to catch his question. "Hectic," she answered with a laugh, unknowingly echoing his thoughts. She stepped back from the water, moving to a place where it was a little quieter and motioning for him to follow.

"How are you?" she asked, once they had settled down elsewhere. She cast her fiery gaze over him; he looked in fine health, despite everything. She wasn't sure if he had ever gotten more than just the sniffles from the sickness that had spread around. He had changed a lot, overall, from the withdrawn, surly man that had first joined them to now--an active, eager member of the group.

The cats; she laughed again at that. It was easy to laugh now, when they were far away and gone. There was a deep hatred within her for them, knowing that they had brought the illness that had killed Lana. But wouldn't her friend have laughed, albeit wryly, to know that cats would bring about her demise?

Some day, in another world, they'd giggle about it together.

But now this was interesting! His impulsive remark brought a sly smile to her face, and Lily nudged him, eyes sparkling. "I missed you, too," she admitted, voice walking the line between teasing and sincerity. In truth, it was the latter. He had become a great friend to her, these past few moons. She hadn't previously considered the possibility of more, but then. . .Vilkas had started as a good friend, too, right?

His words gave her a thrill, but perhaps more importantly, they jogged her memory. "That reminds me," Lily remarked, turning fully toward him. "I, erm, meant to ask you if you would accompany me on a scouting trip? Seabreeze wanted me to look for Alarian--I know Delight said he left, which means he probably isn't coming back, but. . ."

Lily chuckled, shifting a bit awkwardly. "Anyway, there must be some errand Seabreeze would want me to attend to outside the border, and I want you with me. Do you--do you want to? Technically that would let us spend some time together," she added wryly, grinning at him. The prospect was exciting, and she tried to keep her composure. Oh, couldn't they leave, like, right now?

"Excellent," Lily chirped, tail beating fast. "I'm so glad." Not that she had any doubt that he would agree to come--it was just nice to hear it out loud. And though she objected, on principle, to the idea of being protected, she knew it would come in handy if things went awry. She wasn't the biggest of wolves, and her fighting skills were subpar, to say the least.

"We'll leave soon. I'll tell Seabreeze that you've agreed," the girl said, pressing her muzzle against his cheek before pulling away, beaming. "It'll be fun!" It really would be.

She wanted to leap around like a pup, but knew that would be foolish. She held her enthusiasm just barely in check; it vibrated beneath the surface of her skin, like the tremors following an earthquake. I didn't know that, she responded, though it made sense--a bit? Lily was heartened at the change in Khali. She would have never pegged him to become this warm and kind, this dutiful.

We'll leave soon, then, she decided, with a smart nod of her head. Hopefully the journey won't take us too far for too long--then again, a little adventure can be fun, Lily added, with a conspiratorial wink. She certainly had gotten the most out of her short trips. Would this one end up the same way? Or perhaps better?

That's very kind of you, she said softly, her smile warm and boundless. Without volition, she stepped forward to press her head into the crook of his neck, enjoying the strong, solid feel of him against her cheek. Lily stayed there for a short while before pulling back again, her heart thumping a little erratically against her chest.

I'll let you know when it's time to leave, the blackbird said, trying--and failing--to sound businesslike. The giddy excitement bled through her tone, no matter what she did to shove it down. I should get back to my patrols--I don't suppose you'd want to join me, today? Hopefully you won't get sick of me by the time we leave, she added, giggling.