Duck Lake so i could buy a diamond ring

@Liri

since learning of aria's lofty palate, thorn had spent some time between arrow lake and duck lake -- attempting and failing at fishing.

the ice was problematic, but his lack of skill was moreso, and he grew frustrated easily by his failures. fish were not easy prey to snag -- and while aria had preferred the coastal variety, thorn was in no position to traipse up the woodlands into brackish territory, and hunt along the coast.

it was too far -- and he feared if he left for too long, aria would think he lost interest, or some other competitor would lope in to steal her heart.

resting on the side of the bank and licking his paws absentmindedly, thorn looked tiredly about him. since his courting had started, the hale yearling had dropped some weight -- and while muscular as ever, he looked and felt tired.