Snowforest Taiga contagion

Scared and concerned sure looked like the same thing, then, as far as Veteran could tell.  Veteran would have told Ensio so, if the adults hadn't arrived.

Eldritch and Issorartuyok took Ensio's side, and no amount of begging would sway them. Veteran's ears flattened in chagrin as Issorartuyok lectured him. He looked down, scuffing a front foot in the snow in frustration. 

"Do not mistake caution for fear," Issorartuyok concluded. 

"I'm sorry I said you were scared," he mumbled dutifully to Ensio, still looking down. He peeked up, and he realized that Ensio had already stalked away. ..What was up his butt? The adults had agreed with him, had't they? What did he have to be angry about? 

Eldritch also departed swiftly, leaving the mentor and mentee standing alone. Veteran turned his azure gaze back to Issorartuyok. "Should we go home too..?" he asked hesitantly.

Teo, feel free to fade and archive!