SOSU 537
The young man introduced himself as Pripyat. It was a nice name, Sage thought, and as he took off she followed him in silence, arms crossed tight against her chest, tugging the fur close against herself. Golden eyes darted to the gray-and-white pelt of the man, studying his soft fur as she trailed slightly behind him. Sage knew the way back already, but found that her exhaustion had made it easy to let someone else lead her. She had no qualms there, although the turkey slung over his shoulder called out deliciously to her rumbling stomach. The tawny coyote found Pripyat's gaze upon her again as she finished a yawn, her own amber ones jerking sideways as she felt his eyes. Why was he staring? When he cleared his throat, Sage looked at him again, anticipating something. After a moment a familiar question came, and she glanced down then. "Yes," she muttered, almost gravely. It was still hard for her to admit that she had left that place; she'd had so many ties there. Sage had good memories of Inferni, though, and she was hopeful that they, at least, would remain. "Razekiel is my father," she admitted quietly, as if it wasn't easy to figure out. She wished her father were here now to escort her instead of this cold, brooding strange wolf.
By the time they arrived at the steps of the Gampo Abbey, Sage was shivering. Up in the mountains, the wind blew strong at times, and it was unforgiving. Her fur was not quite so thick as Pripyat's, and she was jealous of his sure warmth, still ogling the blue-grey fur with tempted eyes. She could just reach out and touch it, he probably wouldn't even notice. Cream fingertips moved forward just slightly, right as Pripyat began to ascend the stairs. Sage had dreaded this part, and stared longingly up at the top steps, wishing that she was just already there. A deep breath and heavy sigh gathered all of her remaining energy, and she lifted her skirt slightly as she took the steps eagerly, several at a time. Once on the landing, Sage followed the larger man around the magnificent building; even her tired eyes could not keep her from admiring it's beauty. It was a work of art, she realized with a small smile. Soon it would be time for her to start making her own again, she thought.
The small lodge was cozy, but it was plenty of room for the two of them. She couldn't help but wonder if he planned to stay here for the night as well, but decided that it need not yet be asked. Sage had no desire for that sort of company tonight anyway, but would not argue against the protection of a larger canine during the night-time.
Sage shivered as the door was closed, the temperature difference immediately noticeable. It was already warmer in this small room, and she was thankful for the leftover heat. "Thank you, Pripyat," she breathed, black-lips turning up slightly as her limbs began to thaw. "It feels so much better in here," she sighed, rubbing her arms as the feeling came back to them.
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