The moon watched as the young girl jogged through the sands, eyes fixed on the northern horizon. Four hours into the night, as usual, Ottílde stopped to take a short rest. She set down her weapons and pack and took out her water.

Just as she tilted the container to her mouth, a welcome voice in her mind asked, May I have some of that? Ottílde lowered the water slowly and looked over her shoulder. Kin stood watching her, his head cocked, eyes shining in the dim light.

Considering the state you were in when we met , the fennec said in a sanguine voice. I felt it necessary to accompany you and make sure you did not get yourself into any more trouble.

Ottílde bit her lip to keep from smiling, happy and reassured by his presence. She reached into her pack and brought out her smallest food bowl. After pouring some water into it, she pushed it toward her friend and then brought the bottle to her lips.

Kin licked his chops after taking a long pull on the water and regarded her with solemn eyes. You might never see the oasis again, Ottílde warned him as they sat looking at the stars.

He said nothing for some time and then, with quiet certainty, I will return there one day, as will you.

Not knowing how to answer his prediction, Ottílde turned her face back to the sky and sighed, content for the first time in as long as she could remember. The skin over her chest tingled and she rubbed at the scars there. I would have died, you know , she said almost absently. I would have died if you hadn’t helped me.

Kin walked to her and licked the hand resting on the water bottle. She ran her fingers over his head and down his back, enjoying the rough silk of his fur. You had already decided to live, he murmured. You would have found a way to do so.

Ottílde gave him a sideways glance, wondering how she was so transparent to him. She put away her water bottle then drank the few drops left in Kin’s bowl. After stowing the bowl, she hoisted her pack into place. Our way is to the north, she said and picked up her spear and quiver.

Yes, he agreed. To the north. The pair set off at a fast clip with the moon lighting their way.