Boring. That's all anything has been, lately. Not even a beautiful, post-rain evening like this one can hinder the doldrums of mediocrity, and A'ier can't recall the last time he encountered something that wasn't.
Or rather, he wishes he couldn't.
It's really quite fresh on his memory - and on Ti'ran's, the one he has to thank for their relapse into isolation. The solitary lifestyle never has suited him, but by now, months later, he's had more than enough of it. He's tired of the same old forest trails, and of the deserted clearings. He's bored of his companion's... quiet, asocial tendencies. The wolf craves company - company better-humored than his dependable, predictable unicorn friend. Company he can joke with. Company he can tease Ran with!... He sincerely can't recall the last time that was an option.
And yet here he is, traipsing idly through the forest underbrush, doing absolutely nothing about it... Just like he has been for months now, out of some loyal deference to the equine's desire to remain in solitude, perhaps. "You're rubbing off on me, Ran," he says eventually, drawing it out in a dry, unamused fashion.
"Finally," is his dark, chilly response.
It's not the answer he really wanted, but it's Ti'ran, and from him, A'ier expects nothing less.
Ti'ran expects a response from him too, but the wolf denies it, pressing on in silence he wouldn't dream of protesting. It's a rare luxury, after all... even if he does suspect nothing good will come from it in the end. It never does. These moods are the prelude to trouble only A'ier can procure, and yet despite knowing it, he can't be moved to care.
The wolf takes to the shadows, moving noiselessly, as most predators do, trusting Ti'ran will follow. He has just the place in mind... Someplace open. Someplace public! He's certain they'll see a new face or two there, and is just as certain the unicorn will take great exception. It will do him good, though. Maybe even both of them.
