Heron Lake Plateau the world grows older every day.

"Clearly," he quipped in reply. For a moment, he fell silent, simply enjoying a quiet moment alone with his mate. He absently preened her fur where her shoulder met her neck, and then leaned back to fix her with his gaze. "I have an idea," he said.

It had nothing to do with their previous conversation, but he made his suggestion even as he got to his feet. "Want to go ice skating? I know it's not the same as the cavern, but -- maybe we can slide around on the lake. I'll make sure you don't fall and hurt your hip, granny," he said, laughing and nuzzling said flank gently.