The Heartwood Kita

The man was clearly exhausted from the distance they had traveled. Shiranui was pleased that he had made it to the forest, pleased to have found a suitable resting site. It would give them strength to sleep in a place that was warm and sheltered from the elemental unknown. He had looked to the clouded skies several times to see if they should expect snowfall. They had been fortunate to have made their walk without such difficulties.

When the preacher made himself comfortable, the white wolf stepped into the shelter and curled comfortably. The fur of his tail brushed against the other man, but their proximity could not be helped. In time, the two would warm the shelter and would chase the winter chill from their bodies.

Bartholomew asked if Shiranui might ever speak.

The white wolf snorted softly, making a yapping noise that might have been a laugh.