See the Beauty, Sharp and Sheer

The ethereal girl had bid him to follow her following their spar, and his small (purely visual) crush coupled with his literal inability to say no had him trotting along beside her down the bank. The sound of their pawsteps crunching on untouched snow and squelching on the more melted parts could be heard, along with the smaller, quicker sounds of his companions close behind. They remained out of sight but were close enough to aid him should anything happen. The Akita and the Serow were well-trained and loyal to their master, whom they’d grown up with. Much like his grandmother, the boy treated them much like friends when in private, but when business called they knew their place.

Tel’Teukiira, as she’d introduced herself, was quite the chatty kathy. Even if he had had the ability to speak, he likely wouldn’t have been able to get a word in edgewise. It didn’t bother him though. It kept there from being awkward silence, and it wasn’t like her voice was annoying to listen to. She was energetic and playful, showing just how close she really was to his age, but still poised. The glowing girl led them along the bank until they came under an embankment of trees. They twinkled in the light as ice clung to them and he squinted ever so slightly, unsure of whether or not it would be a safe place to stop. But, there wasn’t much wind to jostle the leave so it would likely be fine.

Once they stopped, Takeshi looked over his shoulder and gave a chuff. His companions quickly emerged from their places and busied themselves a few paces away, unburdening the packs they each carried and taking items out from within. As they prepared, Tel asked the question he knew would come and he let out a small sigh, the fog from his breath coming out in a red tinged plume. Another chuff was given and Benjiro, his akita, paused in his menstruations, Amaya quickly picking up where he left off. A single look was given to him companion, who nodded then turned to the illuminated girl. “My master is Takeshi Ani Oritsu Abraxas. He would like to know if you are able to read,” the dog said, his tone gruff with the vague accent of their native homeland that Takeshi would likely have as well could he form the words.