Boartusk Heights the goodbye is the hardest part

Their family had not been cruel, but they had not been... warm. Icy, just like their homeland. There was so much beauty in the way they lived, Lio thought, but they weren't sure if that was an existence they would be happy with. So much power and unity and knowledge, but little in the way of love or affection or passion or anger. 

Lio was not that way. They'd always experienced emotions stronger than the rest of their pack, and though they'd never been truly chastised for it, there had not been approval either. More disappointed looks and confusion from their elders. It had been embarrassing. 

But here they were being encouraged to express excitement. Encouraged to emote. Knox seemed to be good at it, and Lio trusted that he wouldn't judge them for it. "We are in the company of one Carroch wolf," they reasoned, trying to express that perhaps they themselves were not comfortable with that just yet. But they could learn. "I appreciate that, though. I can try." The way he brought his paw to his face was endearing, and it brought a crinkled smile to their face. How interesting. 

Oh, white fur was bad in his culture? Or in the culture he left behind. They hummed in thought, narrowing their eyes and looking down at their snowy fur. "Well, I like white fur," they reasoned, and offered Knox a warmer smile. "It looks very nice on you. How sad it is that they couldn't appreciate it."