It had been a long time since he'd been in these parts but Askan still felt the same way: he did not like Sierra Hills. It was dry and dusty, a big empty space with nothing to make the journey worthwhile. There was nothing to hunt and nowhere to hide, even at this time of year it was the closest thing to a desert the Lore had. Which was exactly why Askan had dragged his man out here. That and for a little peace and quiet.

The sky was painted a fiery orange as the sun dipped below the horizon, as though it wanted to become one with the reddened soil. A breeze ruffled Askan's coat as he walked close by his mate's side, their flanks brushing.

"I don't see what's so great about fish." Askan continued, becoming increasingly frowny as they went. He didn't rant often but when someone got him started he found it hard to stop. "The little bones get caught between your teeth and it's hardly worth the effort of catching them, you'd have to eat dozens to have your fill. We ought to leave  fishing to cats." Then he stomped his foot for emphasis.

Case closed.

The duo clambered to the top of an orangey ridge and- well okay, maybe the view wasn't awful. The land below was speckled with shrubs and rockery, it all seemed so foreign to the Selwyn, a place unknown and therefore dangerous. And yet, this was why he'd brought his mate out here, to give him a little slice of his homeland. Proof that Askan hadn't forgotten Reyes' roots, that he loved every part of him, shady past and all.

"So?" Askan turned to his mate, expectant. His tail swished and swayed, breaking his facade of toughness. It was a while since he'd last given his lover a gift, needless to say he wanted him to like it.