Rattleskin Redoubt april is the cruellest month

A cloud on the horizon; no, a girl. Black-and-gray together, her pelt rippling across working muscles as she trotted into his orbit, and he drew himself further upward, tensing.

Not much younger than himself, and eyes of vivid blue.

He regarded her warily, coolly, waiting for a signal to exit.

When none came, and she dwelt in his space without word, he settled only slightly, and continued to watch the girl with an impassive golden gaze.

You are? he asked, the words feeling dark and heavy on his tongue.