stamping flowers in the garden

Dulla yelps in exaggerated surprise as water hits her ruff, feigning cold with a dramatic, full-body shudder. in truth, the water is a blessed relief - even when splashed in her direction. but as Medusa speaks, the grin drops from Dulla's face, and an unintentional melancholy steals across tawny features. "er...no," she confesses, head drooping to examine the rivulets at her feet; it is easier than meeting the eyes of her companion. "i, um...don't really play with anyone anymore."

shrugging, she turns and wades deeper into the stream, trying to shed the weight that seems to have settled across her shoulders. above, Kas gives a concerned warble, and Dulla shoots him a rueful smile. "i'm fine, darling. thank you." glancing back at Medusa, she attempts that same smile, but it wobbles about the edges. "what of you? do you have family?"