on my way

Though Áki often hoped for company, he didn't expect to find it today. It was early in the day, too early for most to be out and about, and he was surprised when he finally heard the rustling of someone in the near distance. Grateful for a break from the monotony of trudging through the tall grasses, slowly the brute turned, gaze cast on the horizon to find whoever might approach. His posture wasn't particularly guarded; he was easily spooked nor was he fearful of what, or who, might be waiting for him.  But only when he caught sight of the culprit did a wide grin break across his features.

He was surprised to see her, and it showed plainly on his rugged features. Joy glimmered in his crimson gaze as she drew closer, his tail waving gently behind him in pleasure he didn't bother to conceal. "Faite!" he'd exclaim, voice low but slightly boisterous nonetheless in his mixture of surprise and happiness. "It's good to see you too," he started, tipping his tusked head toward her as he lumbered closer, a few long strides at a time. "I'm glad to see you in one piece. Must not have been mountain climbing recently, then." He was simply poking fun at her, though it was true that she had almost fallen down a mountain. He'd have to take a trip back there someday, perhaps once Kai was a bit older and he didn't have to worry about him quite as much as he did now. Each day seemed easy to let him off on his own, but he was more protective of him than he had imagined.

Something about Faite seemed different than when he remembered her last, but he couldn't quite place it, and didn't bother asking about it either. "How's life been treating you, though?" Áki asked after giving her a quick look-over. Truthfully they'd spent more time mountain-climbing than having conversation, but he was perfectly okay with that. It certainly didn't mean their friendship meant any less. "Still living in the west, I believe you said?" He'd meant to make a point to seek her our eventually, but he hadn't intended to have a son either.. and it seemed the universe was looking out for him today.