Ruri knew him too well, for that was indeed where the king found himself, 'hiding away in some warm building'. He had adopted a cabin near the Chien Hotel - had staked his claim from the beginning, but had preferred to camp out in the grotto during the warmer months. Now that it was far too cold to be huddled in a cave, he had moved back into the house, and found a housemate to boot. Firefly lived with him, the two flirts sharing a symbiotic need for warmth and companionship.
The arrangement worked out quite nicely, although most of his packmates still had no idea where to find him. Even calling out to him from the borders was unlikely to bring him running, because the outdoors was just oh so cold. A sun king like himself could not be expected to trudge about in the blustery winds and pelting hail, was he? And he certainly was not about to scavenge for his own food or liquor, that was preposterous. Thus, it was quite handy to have Firefly around - for all the complaining and quick-tempered quips, she was still willing to help him around the house in return for his invaluable company.
Today, she was out, despite the active snow fluttering from the dreary sky. As if their world needed more of the worthless stuff, Jacquez thought sourly. His nose was poked out the door, the rest of him huddled behind it as though it were a shield. As cold wind seeped into the cabin, he withdrew, ready to slam and lock the door shut. But he hesitated, equally bored by being holed up in this little shanty. Squaring his jaw, the one-armed dog bulled his way out the door to stand shivering on the porch. Maybe he would see someone interesting and call them over. Or maybe he could just wait for Firefly to come back home and amuse him...