Blacktail Deer Plateau people let me tell ya bout my best friend

adi thought of telling him of orion, but stopped just short, an amused smile playing across his muzzle. better not tell tales of his own lest engel suddenly come on to him as well. not that it was such a terrible thing--but he wasn't interested. not in that, from engel, anyway.

"well, yeah, of course," he answered nonchalantly. he shrugged as engel mentioned grayday. "he might warm back up to you. if you don't start a wrestling match with him again," adi added, his voice teasing as he gave the slim guy a jocular shove sideways.

he padded forward a few steps, then turned to face engel, the words of the man's last sentiment sinking in. he nodded gravely. "you and me both," he said quietly. "dawn is. . .well, she's not old enough, yet. not by the spring."

his tone was hollow, almost bereft. aditya did not regret chasing after the young woman--she held his heart, now--but oh, if she could have been born a couple of seasons earlier! he wanted kids, a family--but before that, he wanted her, so badly it kept him up some nights.