Alpine Lake crystalline

As she spoke, Eshuman's comforting touch was briefly wrenched away. Mindlessly, Ar-Khalba took a single, shallow step toward her before halting in a subtle attempt to beg her to return. Nevertheless, she had a point in her question. It was not Ar-Khalba's place to seek his Ekar-Aji. He was only to attend her when she called upon him, yet he could not stay away. His heart ached for her in her absence.

"I could have made myself more available," he offered, watching as Eshuman sank to the ground against where Ar-Khalba stood -- yet there was no point in dwelling on the hypothetical. He was here now, and ready to be whatever she needed him to be. She beckoned for him to join her. The Katimir needed no further prompting. With a fond heart, Khalba took her side along the ground.

He draped his head along her shoulder and fell still, but the stillness was brief before he instinctually began to groom the fur on Eshuman's back.