Northstar Vale Open your eyes and see

For @Kaworu !

Rory liked fish. Mama had caught them a few times, and let Rory try a bite or two. He'd enjoyed the flavor immensely, and it was such a rare treat that he hadn't gotten sick of it like, oh, everything else he'd ever eaten ever. When he'd tumbled down onto the shores of the creek that afternoon, not sure how he'd gotten there or where he was exactly, his first thought had been exactly that. "I like fish."

He hadn't quite expected fish to like him, too. Actually it was pretty surprising, when he dunked his head in the creek to look for the little silver minnows and suddenly had something twice as big attached to his nose. Rory dragged it out of the river with a little difficulty, flailing pathetically and making little bwarf noises as he tried to bark around the maw clamped on his muzzle. The fish flopped around, fighting as hard to get him into the water as he was to get out of it.

The splashing spectacle they made scared off all the other fish, but Rory wasn't too worried about that just then.

The sleeplessness had grab hold of him again, and Kaworu was pushed to embrace the bright daylight, which he admired from cool shadow. It had been the third day now that he found no rest in his attempt to dream, and the dog's eyes stung with effort to see beyond his gaze, exhaustion creeping up his gaunt frame and making him feel two times heavier. Still tired as he was he found the glen inviting, and embraced the shroud the Vale offered him as he took careful steps among the growth. Throat dry, he sought to refresh himself.

There was a creek nearby his long ears devoted to the sound of that lead his direction. To break the foliage of the trees and see another dog though was so unexpected his tail jolted upright behind him, heart quickening. Was it an illusion? Kaworu blinked hard, as if to shut the little Aussie out of existence. How strange, it he was truly a fantasy, why would Kaworu dream of such a small dog? Despite his efforts, the curious canine remained there by the creek and hovering in his silence, the Borzoi simply watched him.

When the events of Rory's fishing attempts escalated, the snow-kissed figure could not help himself. Quiet laughter escaped from his muzzle, giving away his position and he drew out from the shade into the afternoon light. The tall figure closed the distance between them quickly with his long stride, and without permission, swept his muzzle down to pinch the fish's tail between his teeth in an attempt to part the two struggling animals.

Sorry 'bout the wait!

Rory didn't notice the great white shadow watching him, busy fighting to get the fish up on land. The fish was large enough to throw him off balance every time it flopped back and forth. Rory eventually collapsed onto his side, wrestling with it on the ground. With his paws free, he could kick and claw as well, but he was gradually being pulled closer to the water. The creek was lapping at his fur when he heard the quiet chuckling.

Rory saw the other dog then, hopes rising as the bigger form approached. It was much easier to fight against the fish when Kaworu grabbed its tail. Rory's squirming was much more effective then, his barks growing excited while he kicked some more at the fish.

At last, his muzzle popped free and he sprawled on the ground. Rory bounced to his feet again quickly, short tail wagging his entire backside as he grinned at the stranger. "Hey, thanks pal!"

His gaze considered the small dog’s struggles, a kind squint touching his eyes as his company managed to free himself. But as soon as Kaworu parted his jaws from the fish to speak he received a slimy slap in the face having forgotten the creature at that moment, taken back for a second or two he return to the flopping creature. It was making quite the amiable effort to get back into the water, having evidently lost its prey. The tall dog struck a paw out, kicking it more in-land towards the Aussie and minimizing it’s escape. It wasn’t his catch after all.

Returning his attention to the curious little fellow who seemed quite delighted at the help he’d offered, a subtle smile grew to curl the edge of Kaworu’s long muzzle, thoroughly amused but also humbled at the stranger’s gratitude. “I have never seen someone fish the way you have, my friend.” Finding the method somewhat unorthodox but quite effective—it had been quite the reasonably sized fish after all. “I would be honored to learn.” Not at all aware it had been unintentional.

The stranger kicked the fish easily away from the river, preventing it's escape, and Rory was distracted again. He zeroed in on the fish with single-minded intensity, pouncing on it with a little growl. He chomped on its head as best he could until the fish stopped flopping around. Rory bounced up happily, looking at his new friend with a big grin.

Kaworu's words made him blink, grin slipping for a moment as he tried to puzzle out what the white male meant. Oh...oh! Rory wiggled eagerly, grin returning ten-fold as he realized he'd actually managed to--mostly--fish on his own. "Thanks! I could teach you, pro'lly," He claimed, nose wrinkling thoughtfully as he looked at the male. "Although...though...you might be a little big f'er it to work." It was a particular skill set he had, being mistaken for food.