Moonspear by a route obscure and lonely

“Cousins are…” Cypress’ voice trailed off uncertainly as he tried to put it into words. He knew he was related to them, but he didn’t know exactly what made them related. “I think they’re sort of like brothers and sisters, only with different parents. They’re my aunt and uncle’s kids, and my aunt is my paw’s sister. I’ve got four of them: Rian, Dublin, Eimear, and Szabala.” He cleared his throat a little uncomfortably, ashamed to admit that, “I haven’t seen much of them lately on purpose. Haven’t seen much of anyone lately on purpose.” He saw Alya, though — he stopped looking out at the horizon line and abruptly tipped his muzzle down to look at her, his lips accidentally grazing her velveteen brow.

“S-Sorry,” he blurted out in an embarrassed mutter, but he didn’t draw away.