8/10/2024, 7:56 PM
Neither wolf strayed from the side of the other, Francis keeping his squinted, blurred peripheral gaze on Kairos.
He was certain they were on the right trail for home, even in all the ways the fires had changed the landscape. He went on exploratory hikes quite often, in fact. The exercise was good for him, it kept him abreast of the state of the land surrounding their borders, and most importantly, it satisfied that never-quite-banished desire to explore, to discover novelty that remained within him. The faintest remnants of the child he'd once been, and the few pieces of that bright-eyed explorer he'd permitted to grow alongside him.
This way.He murmured, to redirect them to the right path, only for Kairos' admonishments to come moments later. They were not harsh by any means, softened further still by her acknowledgement of his worries. Francis glanced at her with surprise all the same, brief but the moment was definitely there - however quickly it passed, along with his knee-jerk instinct to dig his heels in as Prince and demand she bend to his better judgement.
He could go where he pleased, but so could she.
I...He began, but he wasn't sure yet what he wanted to say.
Francis' ears loosened where they had sat, stiff and domineering, atop his crown.
I would not make you worry needlessly, my lady.The Prince finally offered. He had softened, yes, but the change only allowed more of his emotions to surface in his tone, glinting in his amber gaze. Amusement, relief, and still a bit of worry mingled together, like the faint reflection of the distant flames and smoke tangled together.
She threatened to follow him, and Francis couldn't help but laugh, a faint smile gracing his features despite his efforts to remain, well, some degree of professional, dutiful and somber. The situation was serious, Kairos.
Miss Parthenon, your presence not the threat you seem to think it is,He bumped his shoulder, very gently, back into hers with a swish of his tail.
I agree, though, that we should stay close to home if we can help it. If your condition worsens, though, I can promise you will be accompanying me - even if I have to carry you.He was dead serious, and she was small enough he was fairly confident he could pull it off, too.
He glanced away sheepishly, as the redhead remarked on their luck.
Oh, I, well...Francis flicked an ear.
I was looking for you.He admitted.
Most of the rest of the Concord is sheltered in the castle, last I checked. But...I...I couldn't stand the thought of leaving anyone out here, just in case.
Up ahead, the shape of the towers of the castle began to emerge from the smokescreen.
