Time had passed since that Autumn day, making way for the cold, snowy hands of Winter. Snow had already begun to fall from the darkened sky; the leafless branches of trees dancing fridgidly as the slow wind hummed against them. Pherenice loved days like this. The air was crisp and the perfectly white ground was beautiful against the lively lights of the city. Excitement welled as she looked down to the small boy at her side. Tahlir's small, gentle hand had Phere's securely held. A warm smile spread across the woman's face.
Each snowflake had Tahlir distracted. His little mouth slightly agape, eyes half-open in almost a sleepy daze. Beautiful, raven-black hair swaying freely behind him. Pherenice had clothed him in some of her's, as she had not had the chance to go shopping for him. Maybe Huan-Yi and Tsuji would like to go to the mall and help pick out clothing? Another smile; it was nice to be able to think of friends. It had been so long since. Her grip on the boy's hand tightened, causing him to look up at her. His eyes still filled with calm wonder.
Phere stopped, kneeling down the boy's eye-level. "You're going to make some friends today, Tahlir," she said with a smile. "You will like them. They're very nice, and they have a little one like you."
The expression on Tahlir's face didn't change as he stared into his guardian's uncovered eye. A shiver ran through him, and Phere began buttoning the too-large jacket and scarf in response. "We will be there, soon," she replied, placing a hand on his perfectly white face. The boy nodded. Phere stood once more, gently leading him in the direction of town.
Some time had passed as they walked, Pherenice reading the sheet of paper she had written Huan-Yi's address on. This was the place; a rather large apartment complex just outside of town. Kneeling down to Tahlir's eye-level once more, she smiled and gave him a hug. "You will really like these people. I met them only a month or so before you were born."
"Okay."
