and it all starts here

Mortis could only laugh at her excitement. For a moment he had been worried, seeing the concern in her expression. He had been well prepared to lunge forward and grab her if she had slipped or failed to jump far enough. His precautions had been unnecessary, and he was left grinning at her accomplishment. He watched as a little black bird flitted higher up the trees, and away from the crazy wolves that climbed in places they had no business being. Its song one of mild scorn.

They were in the thickest part of the tree now, and scampering around involved clambering over or under many entwined branches. Much easier then the leap she had taken. He wiggled forward, towards where the tree dipped into rogue lands, and found the flattened area he had once camped in. There was faint evidance of his resistance here. An old toy Io had cobbled together with her clever hands. A bird, with outstretched wings. Her attempt to cheer him up. There had been a time he hated his wings for the wedge they drove between himself and azure. A half-whittled stick for when he had practised making spiked stakes. A cloak that softened the floor for sitting. He scooted over to that spot, surprised at how much space he took up.

He undid the bundle on his back leg, unrolling the dried meat and water flask, and put the small feast before them, and turned to Mal. "So, is the fortress everything you hoped and dreamed it would be?" He teased.