Finding treasure

For a moment, her fur was pink as the blood thinned in the water and soap, and then she was pale once more. Pale, white, blue, fresh and clean. Her fur floated on the water's surface, giving the impression she was melting into the cold lake.

He nudged her back out of the water, grabbing the coat he had also nicked (he was a hecking thief) and throwing it over her shoulders. She could wear it while she dried so she didn’t catch a chill.

This done, he grabbed a wayward flower still hanging on by the rivers edge, plucking it free, he tickled it beneath Asla’s chin. Sometimes she acted like the tiny child she was, other times old beyond her years. Today was about reminding her that she was a child, with all the world before her.

Tickling complete, he tucked it behind her ear, and led her out of the pack lands. Giving away nothing about where he led her. They moved along the ocean shore, heading East away from home. He offered her a chance to piggyback on his giant, broad shoulders if she pleased, or to simply lead her at his side. Regardless of the mode of transport, they would arrive at lovers mangrove, and the point closest to the island.

“Alright, here's where the adventure starts. It gets a bit deep, my shoulders should be tall enough for us both to walk.” he said, nodding his head out to the island.