Big Salmon Lake I got used to living without you

He suspected shed heard him, but from her response he assumed he hadn't been quite loud enough for her to recognize his voice. He felt relieved; it wasn't out of her realm of possibilities to launch herself at him in anger for having disappeared- and she couldn't see to know just how decrepit and fragile he was. 

She responded by sinking down, and listening for another sign, like someone suspicious of being followed. He looked out around the banks of the lake. There was, of course, a chance that he had been followed. Perhaps he shouldn't have come back yet, not until he made sure everyone would be safe...But he'd needed to see them, and at least tell them something. 

He carefully picked his way down the bank and into the water. At least, if nothing else, water could disguise his scent. It might even keep anyone from being able to link him to Fennec, as well. This was probably as close as he could get, without risk. 

""F----. St-- in th wat--" His croaking voice cut in and out in a hoarse whisper, realizing only then just how bad he sounded.