The nguruvilu gave another little chittering laugh as her friend’s stream of water missed its mark.<i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(65, 168, 95)">“You’ve always been a sore loser, Kital,” </span></i>she teased.<br/><br/>Looking back at her friend, it was hard to believe that she had nearly died today. Hard to believe they were leaving. She was grateful. She wouldn’t take it for granted again. In one day, so much was already changing. And it was likely going to change much more every day after. She looked up at the human, the strange creature that saved her life for no apparent reason other than to have her company. Something swelled in her little heart, something a bit more than just affection. These two were precious and had to be protected, she knew that. Maybe more clearly than she ever had before. Life was easy to lose, even for Lilim. Probably for a human too. She felt a shiver run through her. That wouldn’t happen, she decided, not for a long time. Not because it couldn’t, but because she wouldn’t allow it.<br/><br/>As she slithered over to her master’s feet, she looked up at him as he offered his arm and immediately slithered onto it, winding her way back onto his shoulders. She looked over at him, a bubbling curiosity in her eyes. She didn’t know what the road would bring, she wasn’t even rightly sure of what a road was, but she felt sure she could trust him. Besides, if she couldn’t, there would be Hell to pay. Now he was under her charge.<br/>She gave a little yip to catch his attention and gently pressed a paw to his face, giving his cheek a little stroke as he seemed fond of doing. Then she turned to look at the path ahead of them, ears attentive and tail swaying slightly in anticipation.