book 7: normalcy

Normalcy isn't a word that Gilgamesh has ever known. Was there supposed to be a pattern? A routine? A schedule to follow throughout his day to day life? Or was winging it ever good enough? He figured living life one day at a time was the best way to get by because honestly, he and his pack were an unruly bunch. Not knowing what any one of them were ever up to was sure to bring trouble to his doorstep at any given moment.

It was those exhausting days that led him out to the archipelago that calm morning. A gentle breeze to guide him through the islands until he reached Inu. Stepping ashore, shaking off his coat, he is met with a large log and two sticks sticking up in the sand. His brow furrows a moment as he looks around. Who had put those there? Taking a few steps forward, he looks down at the packed sand. Small, familiar paw prints lead him to look further ahead until he spies the brown wolfdog. Gil's pulse picks up, his breath catching in his throat. They hadn't been alone since he had told her they couldn't be anymore...

Looking back behind him, out toward the ocean, he sees the isle, but no one else. His nose can't pick up anyone elses scents either, but with how varied the wind was and how effective the saltwater is, it would be easy to be snuck up on, spied on. But could he take a chance? Was it worth the risk? He wouldn't know unless he tried, right? The swim back to the isle would cleanse his coat anyway, whatever ended up happening.

Taking a deep breath, Gil picks up his pace and heads toward Jael. His long stride covers ground easily until he's a foot or so away. "Jael," he calls out, soft, quiet, tender. "Care for some company?" Gil asks, his expression hesitant, cautious, curious. Would she accept?

Speech