Blackfeather Woods and late in a star's life -- it begins to explode

his snout was deep within a gouge of snow and dirt when he heard the unconcealed approach of another. he pulled his snow-flecked nose from the ground, swept the detritus back into the hole with a single forepaw, and looked upon the stranger.

it was a small creature, young even for iliksis. upon first glance the male assumed it was female and excitement stirred in him -- only to be snuffed out like a small candle when the boy's scent betrayed his gender. iliksis did not miss the mismatched eyes, and for a moment seemed lost in the foreign hues of the boy's purple gaze. the way the youth marched forward to him drew a slight smile to the inquitous wolf's muzzle, though it faded swiftly and was replaced by blandness.

iliksis' ear drew back as he tried to make sense of the question. "when?"