Verdant Basin A thing or two

he understood. admired her for it. every chance he had ever been given to run away from his own, he'd taken it. so was it only contemplation, then, that brought her out to the ice in the howling storm? soul-searching? not loneliness.

or maybe it was.

mention not, aditya replied, smiling. his eyes were warm enough that they would melt the snow, if they could. it was nice to be able to connect with someone again. even though he'd returned home briefly, he'd stayed distant, allowing no one to let him into his heart. it was easier that way.

he dipped his muzzle, demonstrating his discomfort with a little shiver. i'm going to find shelter again, he told her. i hope you stay well and warm—and brook and i are out there somewhere if you ever need a home.

when farewells had passed, he departed, agouti coat soon swallowed up by blinding white.