The day was dry and arid, the strength of the sun's rays unforgiving as they bore down upon the land. While Tallsun had been mostly pleasant so far, today was different, and it left some begging for the return of Frostfall. Or, for others, the simple wish of returning to their own herd land. For Crowley and Talbot, a day like this was far from normal. The Basin was covered in an eternal blanket of snow, for the sun could never fully penetrate the land and take it away. It was both a blessing and a curse, as Frostfall would surely be a difficult time for the hardy unicorns of the Basin.

For one Hellhound pup, however, today was a new, exciting experience. It was his first time venturing away from the icy home where he had hatched, and there were countless new sights to see, and new smells to smell. Despite his lack of stamina due to his age, Talbot bounded from one tree to another as they walked on, giving a high pitched yip every once in a while. More often than not, he would turn his head to look back at the brindled stallion, as if waiting for him to start doing the same.

"Yeah, right," Crowley spoke up with a shake of his head, watching as the hound instantly turned to scamper off and find the next new amazing thing. As d'Artagnan had said back in the Basin, he'd forgotten what it was like to be youthful, oblivious to the worries and the horrors of the world. It wouldn't be long until Talbot began to change and realize these things, he was sure, but Crowley honestly was in no hurry. Although the pup's habits were often annoying and pulled him from a restful nap, he was glad to have bonded with him. Talbot would change in his own time, while maintaining some inkling of a personality, rather than becoming a mindless machine.

Soon, the pair had found themselves along the sandy shores of a beach, where the heat was lessened ever so slightly by an oceanic breeze. Without hesitation, Talbot went darting forward, straight for the water, yet he slammed on the brakes right as he neared the edge of the water. For a moment he stood there, investigating the strange feeling of moist sand beneath his paws and between his toes, as well as the pungent scent of the water. Right as he stuck his nose to the surface, the body of water pushed, sending a small wave at the hound. Flabbergasted by the sudden wetness on his nose, Talbot gave a defiant bark, before he leapt bravely into the water.

Unable to help himself, an inward chuckle shook Crowley's barrel at the spectacle before him. Stepping closer to the edge of the water, the stallion kept a watchful eye on his bonded, simply assuring that he wouldn't get washed away or pulled under by some unforeseen creature.

For once, Crowley was away from the Basin, and enjoying the rare gift of sunshine upon his back, perfectly content to give Talbot his own gift of exploration.