Cascade

The Cruelty Of An Angry Grass

We made our way to the stream on the other side of the gardens. I rambled on about whatever I could think of as we went. Anything but silence, silence would be bad after that encounter.

Sil would throw in his few pieces of change from time to time. A grumble here, a hiss over yonder, a slew of snarls halfway through my lecture on circuit analysis. I'd given a laugh at that. Maybe he could tell it was school work from my tone? Not one for science, eh?

Sil slowly relaxed as we walked. By the time we'd made it to the stream, He seemed more at ease. He entered our 'conversation' more often, his tone a touch more cheerful.

"Ah, here we are." I came to a stop beside the bank and slipped my jacket off, best to get it clean first. I set about scrubbing at it and was soon joined by Sil.

He snorted at me, a light frown dipping the corner of his lips and one eyebrow raised.

I wrinkled my nose. "What's with that look? Last time you thought I needed a bath."

He snorted again, but proceeded to strip and wash his own laundry.

Together we worked on our clothes in comfortable silence. Sil was much slower, taking his time as he rubbed his knuckles against the fur. I would never again take having fingertips for granted.

Finishing with my clothes, I stacked them off to the side with my boots beside them. A shiver ran through me as I waded into the stream, maybe taking a bath in cold weather wasn't such a good Idea. Better make it quick then.

I dunked my head under and set about scrubbing my scalp. I ran my fingers through the strands to work out the few tangles I'd acquired.

I came back up when I was satisfied, sweeping a hand up to slick my bangs back. Really, I could stand to cut them. Maybe there'd be some scissors around in the library?

I set about scrubbing the built up of dirt and grim that caked my skin, nose wrinkling.

A wave of water hit my side and I sputtered. Eyes narrowing, I turned to find that Sil had joined me. He was a few feet away, his back turned to me.

I glared as he glanced over his shoulder to throw me a grinning smirk.

I let out a long breath and went back to my washing. No need for a repeat of last time. Sil didn't press the issue, he merely set about scrubbing his own skin with his knuckles.

I let out a breathy sigh, taking a moment to stretch. It felt good to be clean, if a bit cold.

Sil grumbled as he glanced my way, a frown on his lips. He gave me a cough.

"Hmm?" I turned my attention to him. "What is it?"

His gaze flicked away for a moment, a grimace sliding into place on his lips. When he looked back he gave me a growl and pointed a claw to his hair.

Oh, yeah that would be hard, wouldn't it? I snickered and sloshed to his side. "Sure, I'll help you."

He sniffed at me as I scooped some water into my hands, but he held still as I poured it over his head. This earned me a snort as the water slicked his hair down to stick to his cheeks.

I grinned. "You really need a haircut."

He grumbled in response and proceeded to dunk his head under for a second. When he came up, he shook his head, sending water through the air.

I brought my hands up to shield my face. "Really?"

He simply grinned and lowered his head to make it easier for me. I ran my hands through his silver locks, combing out tangles and scrubbing his scalp.