Larksong Grotto We are thankful for our iron lung

Out of nowhere, Zaavier surged forward into the water with a swiftness that was unbecoming of his injuries. Reek couldn't help but think about how freeing it looked to swim. He could let go of his cares in an instant. Like old times, perhaps he could cut-loose and reconnect with that childlike desire to enjoy life that he had somehow lost along the way. It was so tempting. Reek's legs begged to push forward -- to kick out at the water and take the plunge.

Zaavier called out, egging Reek onward. "It's been so long," he muttered as he reluctantly took a step forward in the waist deep water. "Maybe— maybe—"

With that, Reek let go of his unease. Kicking out with his back limbs, Reek felt his paws leave the comfort of the ground as he began to swim out in pursuit of Zaavier, who swam in circles not so far away. There was a foreign sound, one that Reek hadn't heard in ages. One that he had forgotten entirely.

He was laughing.