Flycatcher Downs the veldt

tey'gan's ears flicked forward, his entire face brightening with unrestrained joy. she spoke his tongue! a rush of excitement coursed through him, momentarily pushing aside the gnawing worry that had been weighing his heart since his arrival.
you speak my words! he beamed, stepping closer, tail waving behind him. what clan are you from? his voice was rich with curiosity, eager to know more. there were so few outside his own who knew the ways of his people, and here she was, standing before him, speaking the language of his soul.
but just as quickly as his enthusiasm had flared, it dulled. the reality returned, the weight of his search settling once more upon his shoulders. he glanced past her, scanning the open land, the wind carrying no familiar scents.
his voice lowered, the light dimming slightly in his eyes. my siblings… i do not know where they went. the confession was raw, almost vulnerable. he had been searching, hoping, but each step he took only led to more questions.