Sky Mesa Your choice of companion

Contrary to the imp's expectations, Briar was still on his paws. Barely. The silent travel did little to distract from the throbbing pain traveling up his limbs. But the promise of water was too great a reward to stop his march. She barked out and looked to him squinty-eyed. He couldn't blame her. He could see the sun even with his eyes closed. He tried walking with them closed, at one point. He stopped when he found himself straying from her pawsteps. Narrowing his eyes, he lifted his head. 

Never had he truly been a man of faith. Briar still wasn't. Quiet whispers that comprised prayers stopped falling from his lips before he lived a full year on this earth. 

Running water was nothing short of divine. 

Yes. He spoke between haggard breaths. This is fantastic. Pushing himself to water's edge he barely thought over a slightly off color to the water as he lowered his head to make a dent in his thirst. He might as well have been licking a stone, as mineral laden the water was. 

Forcing himself to take a break, he sprawled out in the sand. Taking his tongue over swollen paws, he winced before grumbling, Any one who lives out here is a lunatic. He looked back to his designated guide. You're included in that. 

He closed his eyes and dipped his head. Pressing the top of his muzzle to his forepaws to chase away the ache in his skull. Thank you, by the way.