Sunlight scattered across his deep gold skin, vanishing in the sooty black mantle over his shoulders and down his spine. He flared his wings out as they walked side by side, white and gleaming as they tucked back in against his ribs. Vanish was still much smaller, her gorgeous wings as black as her soot. Her gold was a good deal lighter than his, pale and beautiful and soft, and he shouldered her sweetly every few minutes.

"Maybe you and me could make some friends, huh?" she asked him and he grimaced.

Um, I'm sure you'll make friends. And have a lot of fun. But he was pretty sure he wasn't interested. He'd be busy watching over her anyway. That's good enough for him. It always had been.

He walked them into the area, leading her at least a little away from other children. Somewhere with enough coverage for him to lean against a tree and stay out of the way, mostly out of sight. There was a puddle of melted snow nearby large enough for her to jump into, but he was sure she wouldn't. Her beautiful coat would get so dirty.

Alright. Go on, then. I'll be near. He glanced around, chose a shady place and nodded over at it. There. And he left her with a kiss on her little forehead, a ruffle through her forelock. Made his way to the thick tree and stood beneath, facing outward to keep an eye on her and anyone she played with.