The boy seems genuinely confused and upset at my arrival. I am not sure if I have done or said something to offend him - maybe he just needed space. It is that which makes me come to an abrupt halt, looking incredibly worried as he turns around and I hear the groaning of ice. I wish he would move away from the channel. Memories assail me of Thor flailing in the water, the way my neck had almost ripped in half (well, it felt like it) trying to pull him from the water. The tears that had mingled with water because I had been SO relieved to save him. If he had died I don't think my life would be what it is now. I don't think my voice would be as sweet and happy - maybe I wouldn't even have a voice. I make a low whimper at his movements as a way to express my worry. I didn't want to startle him and I worried that something might set him off. Clearly he was frightened or worried but what about? I remember Abel and the way his sister had tormented him. Did this boy have people doing the same to him?

"Oh, thats okay!" I say reassuringly to him, smiling before frowning at myself. Why should I smile if he couldn't see it? Oh well, maybe it was the effort that mattered. I wonder if he can FEEL my smile as I perk up, glad that he had spoken to him. Until, of course, he tells me to do what I want. I can tell in my blood that he is upset by the notion. I Hadn't meant to upset him and I wanted to sooth whatever hurt him because that was my nature. Kindness and healing. Sweetness and friendship. "I'll stay then," I say brightly, pushing up to stand tall instead of crouching in hesitation.

The ice cracks and the channel runs in a roar that masks the banging of my heart. I jolt forward then stop, fearful of driving Cartel into the water, and I take a few slow steps towards him. "Hey, why don't you come towards me? You are too close and I'm afraid you will fall in. My brother fell into the river before and I had to save him. It was hard. I was so scared. If you come over here we can talk or play or whatever you want. What is your name?" My voice is coaxing, that sunshine that he has latched on to, trying to ease his fears by telling him stories about me and my own fears. In the end we were all just wolves trying ot make it but wouldn't it be nice with a friend?