Swiftcurrent Creek Are we cool?

it was a funny coincidence, really, that frederick had also been seeking out the pale woman. he had first sought out to apologise to both parties after the incident. he had already apologised to milan, which, although terrifying (and also somehow ending in a confession of his love), came somewhat easier than apologising to his boss-landlord, who could practically kick him out at any time whatsoever with little to no warning.

it was also safe to say that he was panicking.

not a whole lot, just a little bit. frederick simply found it somewhat nerve-wracking, this moment, considering that this may be the moment that he has to seek refuge in bearclaw valley. which, hey, might be a good thing, especially considering that's where the love of his life is. but also, would the swiftcurrent wolves come to him if they heard word of adrian? the search for his brother was still incredibly important to him, and he had barely made even a wink of progress. was it time to dedicate everything to the search?

the goliath took a breath, two, three. just a few moments to gather his thoughts, to think, before the appearance of a white, scarred woman flagged within his brain. quiet alarm bells made their attempt to ring out in the back of his mind, but he silenced them, put on a calm, collected face, and moved towards her with a learnt tranquility.

hi, arlette. he spoke first, not at all considering whether or not that would be perceived as rude. what used to be a guarded, covered-in-thorns man now seemed to only wish to get all of his thoughts out on the table. well, here goes:

i'm sorry. about that... whole thing. it's embarrassing. actually, i shouldn't have been embarrassed, i should have just come to you first, or called for you while she waited at the border. it wasn't milan's fault, i was the one that brought her inside. she's very polite. she would've waited for you, and i think you would like her, too.

frederick took a breath, turning his gaze away. examining the river for a few seconds before he would look at arlette once more. i know that smelling a stranger probably rung some alarm bells and that's why you arrived. i can't blame you for that ; i'd freak out, too. so, i'm sorry. he lowered his head. disappointed with himself, mostly.

and, no. he was not going to ask if they were cool.