Serpent Lake do I speak my truth

a scent prevailed on the wind; an old friend.

qiao ushered the pup to a copse where he would be hidden. then she turned to an open plain near a glittering lake -- here sayf's scent coalesced.

he was holding a violent flower, its petals fringed in brilliant purple. who is that for? qiao called dryly, a sparkle of bemusement in her gaze. had he replaced her so quickly?