Buddy, you're a boy, make a big noise

Lerato had been all over the place, from east to west to south. It was only a natural progression for him to find himself in the north at long last, which is exactly what had happened recently. With the lands to the south growing warmer and greener with each passing day, the north too was becoming more tolerable though still cold as usual. He breathed in the scent of the redwood trees around him, taking long, deep breaths and holding them before letting them out, his silver eyes closed in contentment. It was a beautiful day, the sun filtered through the massive tree's branches to warn his brown pelt in the most delightful way. Why, he could stay there all day given the opportunity. Ler was tempted to settle down in the mostly melted snow when he heard someone nearby. Interrupted as usual.

Normally, the man tended to choose to avoid the company of others and seek out solitude since even if he didn't enjoy his own company more than that of others at least he didn't judge himself for his own appearance. It was the fact that the pawsteps he heard shuffling about were very, very light and most decidedly that of a child which drew the man in. Wandering in that direction when his curiosity couldn't be ignored any longer, Lerato made his way over until a small blue pup came into view. Wait, blue? Now that was something he hadn't seen before. Hesitating for a bit out of reflex more than nervousness, it took some time for him to convince himself to approach. He noted the mixture of of frustration and melancholy written on the child's face. Eventually the man emerged from the shadows, approaching at an easy stroll. Tail wagging gently he called, "You don't look too happy, there." Stopping a fair distance away, he sat, appraising the boy with an indiscernible expression. He'd have smiled, but if he did that the child wouldn't recognize that look on his disfigured face anyways.