Walk | Talk | Think
For a heartbeat, Miksa convinced himself that he had called out to a total stranger. What would Esarosa be doing out this way anyway? In his haste to move - yet again - he had forgotten to tell her where he was going, that his pack had disbanded and that he was off to find new living arrangements elsewhere. It made the most sense that she be somewhere in the south, likely around the willow trees that she had spoken to him about once before. Surely the wintry months were mildest there in that region, more so than they were here with snow and cold.
Before he could duck his head and retreat for his folly, however, the snow-speckled individual turned, glancing over one shoulder through a verdant stare with a smile that stretched familiar and knowing across a face that he recognized. Esa! It was her! Relieved, Miksa smiled in answer immediately, and his tail wagged a few beats of greeting. What luck that she would be here too. They must have been destined to meet no matter where his personal travels brought him, and despite the strangeness of it it was oddly comforting. If it was true, it meant he would have a friend no matter where he ended up.
A very eager, energetic friend he was reminded as she called out his name animatedly and leaped forward to dash his way. Smile brightening, Miksa chuckled to himself as he watched her visible enthusiasm, unable to recall anyone being so happy to see him before, and had the feeling replaced by a sudden wash of concern as she lost her balance and toppled forward to slide across the snow. His brows knitting with worry, he stepped forward and made a quick glance over her, noting nothing to suggest injury in her body or even her demeanor. If anything looked bruised, it might only have been her pride, and as he recognized the embarrassment in her expression, a feeling that was nothing unfamiliar to him, he gentled his smile and bit his tongue to stop himself from chuckling again. "I'm glad to see you, too," he confessed when he was certain he would not make any amused sounds against his will, and taking a step back he let her find her feet.
Embarrassment seemed to remain, but the typically timid boy knew better than to bring attention to it. He let her direct their conversation with a casual observance, and shook his head slightly as he considered. "I don't know, but they go by too fast." As he spoke it dawned on him how long he had been reduced to a loner's status, how long Threar had been gone. Could it really have been so many months since he had had a pack to call home? The thought sobered him, and once more guilt rushed up to bring his bright eyes downward, away from Esarosa's. "I'm sorry. Again. The pack I was in, Threar?" Did she remember him mentioning it? "It disbanded. I got recruited to join another one out this way. It's not established yet, but I think it will be soon." He paused a beat, and added a bit more softly, "I feel like I should have told you this sooner. I could have shown you the bay there." Not that he was against making return trips, but he did feel guilty for not seeking her out and leaving his friend in the dark.
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