Strangers

As the first hint of dawn appeared on the horizon, the forest of Ardens Glacies became bathed in faint, ethereal light. A starry night gave way to tinged pinks, oranges, and purples that spread across the celestial canvas, brightening the world around him and beckoning him from his slumber. Birdsong filled the space outside of the cliff-side den, a cool morning breeze rustling the branches of the trees, carrying the scent of pine and greenery. Soon, the sun would make its grand entrance, rising above the mountain range in the east and welcoming him as he emerged from the cave.

Shaking his pelt, Sephiran begins his first patrol of the morning- heading down into the gutted valley that led to the heart of the dormant volcano. The gleam of light against the lake’s surface was almost blinding- the freshwater lake was fuller than ever in the Spring season. Runoff from the forest above filled it to capacity, and it was warm, given the geothermal activity deep in the volcano- imbuing the water with a soothing quality, steam rising from hotter areas along the shoreline. He completes a lap around the parameter, returning to his starting point before walking into the shallows of the lake, allowing the warm water to wash over his shoulders.

"Speech"