The capped boy had never considered himself to be jealous or possessive, but as he let his touch melt into the bay's warm skin and she spoke of Tolinka's fondness for another man, he felt a sharp jab of acidity rise in his chest. In his day-dreaming mind he had often found himself recalling the dance they had done together that night, when Asche had truly become a man, in every sense of the word, and with a sharp exhale he comforted himself by leaning in closer to the sister beside him and breathing in her familiar scent.

Sinopa - she spoke in riddles, just like her sister. Perhaps, where these two girls came from, it was the usual to conceal truths behind pretty words, poetically linked together to distract and entice. As a smile danced upon her lips, Asche withdrew himself from her softly, relieved at her comforting reaction despite the gnawing sensation of doubt that chewed at his insides. "Who is this 'friend?'" he questioned, unable to resist - as much as the man struggled to conceal his envy, it was visible in the tense posture he had adopted, ears cocked backwards, lips pressed hard against blunt teeth. With a flick of his pale tail against his hocks he corrected himself - this woman had swam all the way to his home, yet here he was, ignoring her feelings due to the guilt he had stored up inside. "Forgive me Sinopa," he breathed out, rolling his shoulders, muscles flexing. "I've been somewhat distracted since I last saw you. I'm glad you're here and safe." her breath tickled his cheek and a grin momentarily graced his features.

"Company . . . sounds ideal."

His voice fell back into the playful chuckle that had rumbled in his throat when he first came upon the sisters, her demeanour enchanting him back to his boyish ways. Though many of her words had cut him - intentionally or not - he still found the bay to be a treat for the eyes and the mind, and he took one step closer to her, twisting his body so he could press his muzzle to her ebony tresses and breathe in time with her. As much as he longed to please her in every way, he was tired, exhausted even, from waiting for them. Alone - the word had struck a nerve. He had been alone and lonely for a very long time, finally he felt that long stretch of isolation was ending, and the very girl whom had changed that for him had brought it up to the forefront of his mind once more.

"I don't know what to say," he admitted, closing his eyes with a sigh that confirmed his self-aimed disappointment. "I suppose I could tell you that I've never been this close to someone as quickly as I was drawn to you - both of you," he added with some thought. "I've always tended to keep affection at arms length. I don't want to do that anymore. Since that night where we met, I've changed."

To conceal his mortification at how vulnerable he had made himself Asche pressed his dark skull against her shoulder for one last moment before turning his head away from her, the tropical wind blowing his mane around him and concealing the grimace that had settled upon his features.