The forgotten prince had expected it to happen so fast. But here he was following someone almost without question, finally setting paws on a vast shoreline of her island home. Gekirin stepped out of the water, glad that it wasn't as long of a swim as he had anticipated. He shook off the frigid waters, making sure not to hit Izumi as he dried his thick coat. There wasn't much yet visually to tell him of the island's beauty. But what did catch his attention was the general energy. It was more peaceful and tranquil then the areas he had been to in the past.

His gaze looked around briefly, just in case there was anyone else to greet them at their arrival. When he was sure that they were still alone, the black beast turned back to make sure his new friend was alright. Looking forward to warmer waters come spring. That was a bit more frigid then I was wanting. I think I almost shrank in there. A grin spread across his face, tail waving once more in a friendly gesture. Hopefully she wouldn't think ill of his somewhat playful banter. Are you alright, Izumi? Bright eyes looked her over briefly, making sure that she was okay to keep going.



Izumi

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❁

Izumi followed closely behind as she led the way back to the Isle, figuring it was easier to see where he was if she stayed behind. Maybe it was because he’d been taller than her, too, because she couldn’t really keep up with his pace. How did one say “You walk too fast.” without being impolite about it? Well, at least she could see him.

I’m not much of a fan of ice baths either, I’d say. She quipped back as she reached the shoreline, hopping a few steps back to shake the heaviness of water from her coat. Although the chill of the water mixed with the winter air caused a shiver to run through the dame’s skin. Winter as a whole, either. It’s taken most of the color away from the island. A smile formed, albeit somewhat sheepish. If we had met in spring, I’d have more to show off…alas, maybe one day you’ll see.

The sky had darkened somewhat considerably since then, Izumi noticed as she looked up. The stars had come out….is that how long they’d been gone for?

Oh dear…where did the time go? She mused.

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The painted woman came behind him, shaking off the water from her pelt as she came ashore. She shared in his sentiments, not being too keen on winter as a whole and just done with it all. Izumi mentioned the island and how different it had looked in the warmer months, peeking his interest. I'm sure this place must be quite the grand sight. I look forward to seeing all its splendors. If she was anything to go by, this place was surely filled with beauty. Speaking of which,

Gekirin's ears turned at her last comment. An expression of confusion and slight surprise coming from his face though he tried to hide it. Oh? I guess I really did miss out. What a shame. He wasn't quite entirely sure what she had meant, but would play along for now. But that soon faded as she noticed just how much darker it had gotten. A look of concern was now showing in his faded yellow eyes. Do you have some shelter nearby? We'd better get out of this frigid weather while we still can. Before they both faced winter's wrath.

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With patience blooms beauty, don’t give up on it just yet. Izumi lectures lightheartedly, but she couldn’t help but feel a contradicting impatience herself. She only hoped spring would bloom again soon — the woman only caught a glimpse of warmer days when she’d left those wretched mountains. Maybe it was the way of the heavens; testing how she took advantage of such a view before she became a caged, beaten animal. She never saw herself as the spiritual type, but she found herself looking to them quite often as of late.

Ah — to think we had mutual respect, yet you think me a wicked woman who’d send you away from shore in weather like this. Izumi teased, a hint of mirth on her face as she walked. Come now, Gekirin. I’ll show you further into the isle where it is warmer. She said, stopping near the pathway that led to the forests, seeing if he would follow.

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Izumi gave him a simple promise of better scenery come spring, which prompted a small nod of understanding from the male. It wasn't until she made a playful comment that a smirk formed on his lips, pulling at the corners of his mouth as he turned to face her. Gekirin watched her with curious eyes as she walked to the darker path up ahead. She turned to face him, an expectant expression clear as day. Your wish is my command. Lead the way. The dark male followed closely behind the fairer shaded woman, taking the time to look around at his wet surroundings as he did so. It wasn't all bad in truth, but he was eager to see more of this place once things began to burst into life. Then he would see if there was to be any impressing going on here.

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❁

Once she made sure he followed her lead, she’d turn her head and begin walking down the Stonecrest Pathway.

In these colder months, the path felt like ice beneath her feet. The weaving branches of wisteria that had dropped their petals added to winter’s strong presence. When you walk this path, it is shrouded in a haze of purple petals. She describes, shooting a quick glance over his shoulder with curious eyes. When the winding branches no longer have to hide from snow and wind, their shy flowers will bloom within the sun. That is what I hope you will see. Yet for now, she would leave it up to him to use his imagination.

They continued to walk down the path like this for a while now, until finally making a detour to the right – towards the pack’s densite. This is the resting area. It is quite spacious, so I should be able to find you a spare den somewhere in the back…ah, where are my manners? She turns over her shoulder to peer at her shadowy companion.

Are you hungry from your trip? Let's not send you to bed on an empty stomach…

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The forgotten prince continued to follow his new friend, curious of her home and what it would bring him come spring. He listened to her words with opened ears, letting his imagination provide a clear picture of what she was conveying. The thought of purple flowers coming to life here brought a smile to his face, the beauty of it all keeping him in a temporary state of wonder. Your home sounds beautiful in the time of plenty. I look forward to seeing these flowers you speak of. They sound breath taking. It was a show of his appreciation for what beauty her world had to offer him.

Izumi continued to lead him on until she turned a corner to a new path. They had now made it to their den sites, with one hopefully with his name on it. She turned back to look at him over her shoulder, a somewhat apologetic expression most apparent. Maybe just a little bit. But I would hate to take what is not mine. I can hunt for myself if truly need be in the morning. I am quite tired. A partial truth he hoped she would take at least this time.