Ysalwen relaxes as the streets get clearer, reaching down more often to ruffle Liranan's ears and scratch him under the jaw.

He is definitely enjoying their exploring, bouncing along from one tree to the next and keeping an eye out for birds and small mammals.

Also children! Kids are great! And other dogs!

But the water -- the water may be the best part.

"We live on the sea, too, Liranan and I. Amaranthine is a port town. I didn't think I could get used to the sound of the waves all the time, but apparently I can. I miss it when I'm gone, now."

It's strange how home works.

"And it's much better than a tower in the middle of a lake. More transportation options, for one."