Phoenix Maplewood Noahtakmiut

His regards were surprisingly warm, which helped distract her and soothe the ache still resonating in her chest. By the time he trotted over to join her beneath the cluster of trees, Meerkat found her voice. She also managed to return his smile, her brown eyes wandering over his dappled features. Had he been this handsome last time? She vaguely remembered comparing him to Wintersbane.

"It's good to see you again, Issorartuyok," she replied, still saying his name very carefully. "I'm doing alright. What about you? Did you find the ice field?" Had her directions sufficed? She still remember her twinges of guilt about being unable to accompany him.