Arrow Lake Jol

River offered to show him the mountains the proper way. She speculated that he might find beauty in her homeland, too. Cad bowed his head in thanks. If he were bolder, he might have told her that she already had. The fierceness of the woman was enough to hold those words fast in his throat.

As they crested the hill and the disturbed snow drew her eye, Cad stepped toward it and sniffed. He did not know if this was mountain goat, but it had a strong smell. It would be a simple trail to follow, if the snow continued to reveal the path that this creature had taken. Pink tongue flashed across his snout. The medic fixed his green eyes on River and watched her, eyeing the surety of her steps, the swiftness in the ways her eyes would find their next target.

Lizards, he answered her next question daftly. When he realized what he’d said, Cad couldn’t help but laugh. They look awful but they’ve got a good taste. They get real fat in Maofen, too.

Good for you, Cad. Paint yourself out to be a lizard-eater in front of the beautiful girl.