For now, at least, Mikko stuck close to home, not wanting to stir more distrust among Shiba and her fellow Kleins while he already likely walked on thin ice. But that was the nice thing about the hot spring. It lay just beyond the farthest reaches of the Nook, nestled within a thicket and out of view of prying eyes--a perfect escape for the gnarled beast when "normal" life got to be a little too much. He came here today for no real reason, though, beyond his restless limbs needing a walk. Ever since Shiba had pieced him back together, though it was seasons ago, Mikko found himself unable to sit still for very long. He'd spent far too long doing that, and all it did at this point was remind him of the pain that had caused it. Walking reminded him of better times--and newer times, though he feared he'd already squandered the latter.

He paused upon entering the clearing, allowing steam to surround him and its warmth to seep into the outermost layers of his chilled winter pelt. A sigh followed by an almost purr-like growl of relief as he closed his eyes; he could already feel his muscles relaxing, his marred skin loosening where it was tightest. Would he be joined today? He had no idea. Did he really care? Not particularly--at least, not right now.

""

table by Lowin art by kolokolchek

Though Relm hated to cold, especially living up north when she was actually settled down, it seemed her body had grown accustomed to it and coming through the springs here would make her rather uncomfortable even if she much rather preferred the warmer weather over the snowy kind. She shook after a moment walking through the steam that stayed level under the trees, no ice or snow plagued the ground under her paws but the grasses were well withered and hardly hosting any plant life you could probably find here during the summer. Maybe the springs and it's trees were affected by the surrounding winter wonderland as the land closed itself in. Maybe a more metaphorical meaning if she was a little older and more realized. But for now she was more focused on making it through the springs quickly so she wouldn't find a frozen chill on the other side. She would become distracted though, the scent of a stranger lingered through the warm mist, and as she traveled around she would eventually find the dark figure of the man before her. She was generally interested in meeting new wolves whether her father approved or not, so seeking the stranger out would be exciting for her. But as she neared the man and his figure became more clear, she would find herself even more interested as he appeared malled and beaten. Not freshly, but still Relm could only wonder what happened to the man either previously or over time. She would approach him from ahead, the two of them facing each other and she wouldn't call out to announce her presence. Instead stopping a few feet away if he allowed, tilting her head as she examined him. "How'd you get all those scars?" A greeting was clearly not what she had in mind. But no matter how the male ended up this way, Relm would show little fear to his appearance. She was never really one to be afraid, only a couple instances she could pull from her memory. Otherwise she figured her daddy would come the her aid if someone was truly out to harm her. Walk "Talk" Think

"How'd you get all those scars?"

The young voice brought his ears forward and his single eye to open upon a pup, a girl of vibrant pink and white who looked about as clueless as they came. She craned her neck at him, and Mikko peered down at her from where he stood, still partially paralyzed by the soothing warmth of the mist intertwining with his fur. How long had it been since he'd last spoken to a child? Even he and Acciona had exchanged few words until she was older, which left...well, his own children from before, who by now were likely long gone.

An invisible struggle took place in his head as he fought against the part of him that told him he didn't deserve the opportunity. Ultimately, he was able to convince himself that it would be worse to walk away from an inquiring pup. He ended up flicking his ear, gaze narrowing and chin tipping ever so slightly upward in thought and skepticism. "Too much time spent with the wrong wolves," he huffed. There was a gruffness to his voice, but there was patience there as well as he decided to feel out this encounter. That probably wasn't the answer you were looking for, was it? He anticipated that being the case, easing into a sit in case he needed to get comfortable--and to alert any potential nearby parents to his innocence.

""

table by Lowin art by kolokolchek

Relm squinted to the man's response, it was indeed not the answer she was looking for. And though Relm was blunt, she would take a moment not to blurt out her thoughts. "I guess there's too many to tell me about every one." Maybe cutting the brute a break, on her end that was. "Guess it can't be easy walking around like that though." Was that a little harsh? She wouldn't be aware, or care to at least. Relm usually didn't intend to offend anyone. It was bound to get her in trouble more than once. Whether this brute cared for her tongue or not wasn't really on the forefront of her mind. Kefka would be nearby if anything would go south, not that she was expecting it to. Relm had seen Kefka's intimate scarring, not that she was aware of the sexual nature of it while she was so young. She found herself taking a couple steps to the side and dropping her head to peek at the man's undercarriage. Certainly there was nothing wrong with that behavior? Walk "Talk" Think