It had been a long day of travel. Even after riding most of the way, Echo was weary. Evening had just set in, but this was too good a place to pass up. Today made the third day without a proper bath and Echo had finally managed to reach one of his favorite places. A calm spot on the Avora river, next to a well traveled road between Vienda and Old Rose Harbor. It was close enough to the road to keep bander wolves and other dangerous predators away, but far enough not to be easily spotted by passersby.

Echo grabbed some feed, greens and a carrot for Vroo and tied him to a thick branch near the water. His kenser would be nearly within view and at the least Echo could hear if there was trouble. "All right, Vroo. Eat all your greens an y'can have a carrot."

Vroo ignored the smelly greens and butted his head against Echo, who smelled of carrots.

Echo sighed, but gave in after a minute. "Fine. Y'can have the carrot, but then y'hafta eat all yer greens." He tossed the carrot on top of the pile, and grabbed his soap and towel, which he'd already laid out. "Keep an eye out fer chips, so I can get outta the water at just the right time," he added, not really caring that Vroo wouldn't get the joke. He quickly stripped down and slipped into the cool water.

Vroo finished his carrot, watching his master until the boy was out of sight. Ignoring the smelly greens, the kenser bent down to grab the rope where it was tied to the tree and pulled until the knot came loose. He walked a ways down the shore and stopped for a drink.

((Hey Echo, would you mind including a date and a time in your thread title? Thanks!))