If I Could Tell Her

She could tell that Thalia was behind her. Of course she could tell. Theory had memorized every rock and pebble leading to the rushing waters. Thalia didn't know these lands like she did, but Theo hoped by the time that she left she'd be better acquainted. Maybe she'd even be fond of them. Her ears flicked backwards as Thalia hastened her approach. "Boo." Chuckling, she pivoted to face her. "How are you settling in? Was the journey long?" she asked, her eyes bright now. The loudness of her thoughts seemed to quiet when Thalia entered. At the very least, she could brood later in private. For now there were other things to focus on, like how thick and plush Thalia's winter coat was coming in (was it coming in early? Was she always this soft-looking?) and how good it felt to finally have her here. Even though they were out in the open on a commonly traveled path by the rapids, something about this encounter felt intensely private. "Let me show you where I used to play..." she said, casting a winning grin over her shoulder as she strode along the rushing water. They went a few yards further up before coming to a series of wide, flat rocks that made a stepping stone pattern downstream. The summer had been temperate and now that it was over, the water was still low. This time of year was the best for racing along the rocks.