Frantic, she skirted to and fro in search of him—his body, his eyes... his scent was overwhelmingly familiar. The one shred of normalcy that she'd experienced in months. Akira grew desperate like a starving animal. Craving the touch from her lover, growing weak without it.

'Akira?' She gasped, ears swiveling as far forward as they could. 'I'm here...Akira!' From the direction the voice could be heard. Akira suddenly raced forwards, as quickly as her limbs would allow. Lodgepole! Bursting through the treelines, she finally skidded to a halt. Heart pounding in her throat, breaths leaving her nostrils in strong huffs.

There he stood—long limbs, furled tresses, soft gray eyes, and a melancholy expression. Akira nearly fell onto the earth—she could recognize him anywhere. Lod- I... Lodgepole, my love, she cried, trembling in relief. She hobbled forward, stumbling against the stones that littered the ground. She halted only once her body collided with his, her visage buried against his withers, her nose desperately nestling between the unruly fur of his back.

Between suppressed wails, she spoke. Lodgepole, I'm so sorry, she sobbed, I couldn't find you, I-I've looked... She trailed off into uncoordinated gasps, rendered speechless. She could feel his bones jutting from his skin—a wave of guilt crashed into her body, so overwhelming that she nearly collapsed. You're so skinny... she breathed out weakly, my dear...