The Sentinels You say...

He adjusted as she joined him, walking close but not enough so to trip either of them up. He would widen his path to include her space as he navigated, keeping them both clear of obstacles so that she was free to walk a little easier. It was almost automatic.

"I suppose lake mirrors are the local real estate experts, then?" He asked, keeping his face straight as though it made perfect sense that this would be the case. "We'll have to make sure the lake we choose is highly recommended. You can't trust just any mirror, after all." He couldn't say he had ever heard the story Osprey spoke of, but from experience, he doubted it had ended well for the evil queen. He wasn't sure what sort he would prefer either, in truth. All had their merits. A den was more permanent, safer and warmer than the other two. A hollow beneath a tree would be similar, but more comfortable perhaps, if a bit less secure. A thicket of brush would be least permanent but offer more space and freedom. It would likely come down to what they found.

"At least it doesn't have to be a permanent decision," he finished, thinking of Blue and Lasher and how much more important their choice had been. This led him to thoughts of their own situation, but he knew pups weren't a subject he would bring up anytime soon. He did not wish to make Osprey initiate every phase of their relationship, but with what she'd gone through last time, he knew this was something that would be her own call to make. Instinct drove that knowledge and prevented much more thought on the subject. Just making it through winter would be enough.