Thea and Zane stepped through the heavy, wooden doors leading from the castle into the outer garden. She paused just outside, a gentle breeze managing to make its way to her despite the walls and few trees dotting the garden. The breeze brought with it a welcomed chill, warning of the weather to come despite the mild warmth the sun still provided. She inhaled through her nose, relishing the fresh, flowery scents of the dying summer mixed with the crispness of new fall. 
	Not wanting to waste any more time, she hurried along the cobblestone path weaving its way through flowerbeds growing tall and small groves of trees with magically-thickened leaves. Flowers and bushes added a rainbow of color to the vibrantly green lawn of the garden, the fall’s decay kept at bay within the castle walls by the king’s Mage. The morning sunlight shone down on plants and people alike, making Thea's hair look aflame when it hit her just right. Trotting beside her, Zane’s nose sniffed at the air, and his ears twitched at smells and sounds Thea could only guess at.
	The companions hurried to their and Byrce’s usual meeting spot within her home, diverting from the path. As soon as the young oak tree came into view, its form dwarfed by others spaced around it, Thea smiled; Byrce laid, curled into a ball, at the tree’s base in his familiar, large wolf form. 
	She released her skirts, letting their hems brush lightly against the grass as she stepped toward him. She leaned against the tree beside him and slid down the rough bark, waiting for him show notice of her.
	Zane did a quick perimeter check around the tree, sniffing at it and the air before, apparently satisfied, sitting near her feet. His eyes, as dark as Thea's, fell to Byrce, watching him with a mix of caution and excitement.