This was a new, exhilarating experience for both of them but Terrel knew it was Mae who found herself most surprised by the sensations ice brought. He observed her with an amused expression creasing his features as he forgot the dull ache that resided in his chest. She was incredible. What better word was there to describe her? She could take pain from him in a matter of seconds by just being with him. At her startled words he laughed, “me either!” The ice managed to create an image of Mae with inelegance which he assumed was difficult with someone who possessed such beauty. Terrel watched her walk towards him, creating the sound of sloshing water below.

He discovered that if he remained still and idle for too long the ice would burn this pads, it caused a deep aching chill to creep up his paws. It baffled him. He raised his head to receive the fresh air with carried in a gentle hiss. Terrel paraded upon the ice, allowing the arctic air to comb through his pelt and create an almost comical look as it lifted tufts of his fur.

As he regained focus upon Mae, he heard the more productive noise of creaking ice and tensed. His ears pinned back against his head in a submissive state. And with a gasp, the brute noticed cracks beginning to form around her weight and suggest or rather, warn that danger would soon befall her. His optics darted to her face, fear plastering his features as she plunged into the icy water. “Mae!” Terrel cried. The boy lunged forward, only to find himself skidding in his urgent nature to assist her needs. Ice, he quickly learnt, was a formidable predator. Its sinister nature cared for nothing. It was merciless and formidable. And Terrel feared its brutality.

His heart leapt in his chest, hurling a quiet breath of air as he lurched forward seeing her resurface. But she couldn’t possibly escape and the thought of her lost in the large expanse of ice, carried by water’s anger scared him. Mae didn’t need to call for his help for the brute was already immediately close. He danced around the side, testing the stability of ice before leaning forward. His pallid daggers grasped her scruff and began to tug. Although Terrel wasn’t fond of Mae’s discomfort, he was not considerate in his pulling – as long as she lived – that was all he thought, all be cared about. His muddy optics narrowed as he began to place all of his strength – physical and mental – into this task with a deep growl that softly grazed his throat. It was even more difficult as water clung to her silver pelt, weighing her down but everything time he caught a glimpse of her body emerging it gave him a fresh burst of energy.

He would not let her drown. He loved her. And the thought that she might – no. He would not let it happen. That thought pained him. Compelled him. Wounded him. Terrel depended upon for. She gave him a purpose in his muddled up life. No one had ever given him such feelings as Maw had. She kept him on his toes. She was the only one who made him feel… certain happiness. And happiness without any sadness or pain is a pure and rare thing that he never took for granted. But when he was with the silver lady he forgot everything that every made him sad. All that mattered was Mae.

The ordeal had lasted for around five minutes but to the boy it felt like a lifetime. He landed upon ice with a hard thump, causing momentary fear to propel through his body. Terrel was exhausted. His chest fell and raised, his tongue falling from his maw with a pant. But their time wasn’t finished yet. Mae had been plunged into freezing water and they were still standing on ice. He pushed himself to his paws and began to rub the side of his pelt against hers. He wanted to take as much of the water away as possible and ensure she would dry as soon as possible. “I’m so sorry,” he whimpered. “Come on, let’s go to safer ground.”

Terrel was uncertain where they would go. Mae needed somewhere enclosed, where the cold air would be blocked out and unable to reach her. Looking back, he spread his tongue across her forehead and smiled gently. And pleading that she would not hate him.

{ooc - maybe in your post they could find a small unused den because I doubt Mae could get very far after plunging into freezing cold water. XD}

terrel