Firestone Hot Springs moontooth

He had been waiting for it, but the call still shocked him into wakefulness when it came. With his fur already bristling, he tipped his head back to herald his arrival. He sought out first @Fallen Sun to say farewell, and then @Ariadne to ask for a blessing. The rest, he sang a quiet song: I will see you on the other side.

He moved purposefully, then, long legs eating up the ground.

Another call made him pause. @Valiant, singing from somewhere further inland: I will see you on the other side.

Feeling oddly bereft, he carried on, and soon reached Chakliux with white breath pluming like dragon's smoke from his dark muzzle. The addition of the bloodred markings on the other man's coat were duly noted, but he did not ask after their meaning. He wished suddenly that he had asked Valiant for a blessing as well — he suddenly remembered his mother's paw on his shoulder, and her strong-steady voice as she spoke the old, familiar words: Be strong and vigilant. Protect one another. We will find each other again.

"In this life or the next," Dutch murmured to himself as if in reply. Though neither Valiant nor his mother could hear him, he thought the blessing might still belatedly take. If he carried their love, then surely he carried their good will.

His gaze found Chakliux once more.

"Lead on," he said.