along the way

"Illious" he said the word comfortably, with ease. It rolled off his tongue as if he had said it many times in his life. In a single word he infused a longing and sorrow. "I never told you where I came from." He said softly, almost not believing it. She had once lived so close to him. She had never seen the ocean. Her pack was not as open to trade. So close, and yet so far. It seemed strange they would find themselves in the same little castle now.

"Oh, Anthea" he said softly, getting to his pasws and moving a step closer to her. "The volcano… it wiped out everything. There's nothing left of Illious." He said tightly, watching her cautiously. Uncertain how much she had already guessed was lost from the fire. How this news would affect her now. He wanted to be glad, grateful to see someone from his own country, but instead he felt an ache in his chest for her. "I'm sorry" he whispered.