in a different place

It had been awhile since he'd made a good friend, he thought to himself.  Many of his relationships with others were short-lived at best, though Faite seemed the type he might be willing to seek out again. Not for primal needs, as he did with so many others, but simply because he enjoyed her company. He didn't know much about her, but she was full of life and spirit, in a refreshingly pure manner. For all he knew, she could be anyone - but her title or upbringing or relations didn't concern him. What did concern him was how she presented herself to him, their conversation, and nothing more.

They began their journey quietly. It wasn't exactly the kind of terrain that made for much small-talk - attention had to be taken with each step, and one's body had to be on full alert in case rocks shifted beneath their paws. But she did offer one final sentiment, as he saw her move past him at his side and scramble ahead of him. She wanted to race, eh? She hadn't phrased it as a question, but even if she had he wasn't one to say no to such ideas.

He didn't need to reply. Instead, he pushed on, aiming to catch up with her while keeping himself steady. He took a deep breath before working to increase his pace to a reasonable level, more of a steady trot than a full-out run, knowing this was dangerous, but the game was worth the risk!