Heron Lake Plateau the world grows older every day.

Fin's comment elicited a burst of loud laughter from Elwood as he recalled the instance she was referring to. "Thank goodness that didn't last too long. You probably would have rearranged my face by now," he said, shaking his head good-naturedly. If nothing else, their relationship had certainly kept him on his toes -- and still did, to this day. They might have been a little whiter around the muzzles, but day-to-day life with Finley still caused Elwood's heart to flutter with excitement.

Soon enough, they reached the lake. (I really don't know if the whole thing would have frozen over, so we're just gonna go with it!) While it didn't compare to the splendor of the underground skating rink back at the caldera, it did look lovely as it sparkled in the soft winter light. Elwood stepped out experimentally, his steps tentative, and when it appeared that it would hold his weight, he beckoned Finley to follow him. "We don't have to go far from the edge," he said, "but c'mere." He smiled and kicked off gently with his back feet so that he glided just a few feet away from Fin.