Hushed Willows [YULE] maybe just a half a drink more

Even Soltero's tiniest movements compelled Ruenna's gaze-- the dipping of his chin, the arcing of his neck... it all competed for Rue's attention, even as she fought to focus upon the precious words that tipped from that frost-nipped muzzle. 

A naturalist? It wasn't what Rue had expected, and she blinked in delighted surprise. With more thought, it made sense that a lifelong nomad like Soltero felt drawn to rivers. Rivers were the voyagers and explorers of the natural world, forever pushing onward, cutting their meandering paths through any and all terrain, across each and every landscape. 

"The rivers would have so many stories to tell, if only they could speak," Rue agreed, smiling shyly. It was a silly notion-- rivers talking-- but perhaps they communicated in some form or another to Soltero. Naturalists seemed to have a certain way with nature that defied the rules of logic as Rue typically understood them.