When she leaned forward to greet him, he sighed quietly as his dual toned gaze found its closure and he mimiced her gentle nuzzle. It was relaxing to Cae, having Gaia around- somehow, someway she had always made him feel comfortable in his own skin. Not to say that he didn't around others- it was just that it wasn't the same as it was with her. Call it a strong sibling bond, or perhaps even something more that was spun from the bond that their parents shared. It was all a matter of perspective, and how one viewed something. To Cae- it was simply that he cared for his currently only sibling immensely and would do anything for her. They were silent then for a time, simlpy enjoying one anothers company upon the vast shore of the lake. And yet the boy knew his sisters bright gaze was focused on the island in the distance, and that it would not be long before she was on the move again. But it was nice- this silence, this tranquility that they could both share.

With his own exotic, mismatched gaze of ocean and earth focused on Gaia, he watched as she pushed herself up to test out her legs. She seemed confident enough, and it showed in her expression and the tones of her voice. Come on, Brother! Let's see what is over there. Then we can go home. She was as curious and exuberant as ever, and he could not help the enjoyment that showed in his expression. But then just like that, she is off on her smaller paws and suddenly scrambling upon the surface of the frozen lake. The sound of her laughter was rich and almost musical, setting the creme and russet chocolate boy's tail to wave gently behind him. She seemed to be enjoying herself- even when she wound up sprawled out flat on her face after tripping. The red toned wolf didn't waste a moment in geting back to her feet and shooting a glance back at Cae. He knew she was watching to see if he would follow- if he would accompany her as he had so often thus far.

He wanted to- and he would, but there was something that had him hesitating. While the lake was indeed still frozen- Spring was just around the corner and who knew how rotten the ice could actually be. But Cae was a child and as a child he did not know of such dangers. Instead, he simply saW his sister waiting for him and was loathe to resist his natural instinct. Pushing his still small but ever growing frame up to his moderately sized paws, he was slow in his movements as he followed his sisters path. Unlike her who ran out aimlessly and without a care, Cae was careful with each step of his paw, determined not to slip or falter and put himself in danger. For to put himself in danger would ultimately put Gaia in danger- who knew how or when she might need him, but just the simple fact that she might need him kept him more than alert. He was silent, but there was a casual pleasure in his expression as he kept an eye on Gaia.

Each slow and careful step took him closer to the russet wolf before him, and thus the island that she so desired to explore. Everything seemed alright, nothing peculiar happening beneath his paws. He kept his chocolate and creme painted ears harked forward, ready to pick up any change in the ice he tread on or even that which currently surrounded him. He was prepared, as he always was, for anything to come. He would soon be at her side again, his gaze focused on hers and his dark black nose coming to nudge against her russet splashed shoulder. They were only about a quarter of the way to their final destination, and so far everything had gone well. The young wolf hoped it would remain so, and that they would not run into trouble. But only time would tell them.