King Elk Forest Love is the prize

he had sort of half-feared that Laika would pull away, but she did not, merely moved closer and lay her head against him as well. relief bloomed in the boy and he felt closer to her than before, for in this weak time, Laika was there for him, no questions asked, and the sense of solidarity stung his throat with unshed tears. Saena was dearly missed, as was Aria, but this was now, and this girl might very well be Casmir's future.

"no," he finally sighed, pulling away and glancing skyward, hoping the tears would roll back into his head so he could cry them later. "rough week is all," Cas mumbled, stretching and wading out of the warm water.