Bitterroot Valley subterranean homesick blues

something which he hadn't seen before, but that he wouldn't soon forget — the child sniffed curiously at the bitterroot, admiring it's range of vibrant pinks and purples. where did these flowers come from?, he wondered, having noted the dry, rocky terrain homed within the valley. could flowers grow here, too?

pola he called, pola? alsek then realized the distance between them and walked to meet her, not wanting to be again forgotten. there was another familiar scent, this one coming from his home, which stopped him several steps short of his intended destination. 

the blackbird's ears fell tight against his skull, his eyes darting between ground and soot-stained fur. anxiety, guilt; some inhibiting compunction kept him held in place, totally unable to approach. chubu would be mad, wouldn't he? alsek had wandered off, wandered off too far, and now he had to be punished.

silently did he walk between polaris's legs, hiding beneath her shadow to await surya's scolding.

wotd: compunction