[ He grins, just a little, at her amusement. Naturally, he'd picked a time of year when the view would be the most dramatic, resplendent in an array of color as the tulips boldly unfurled, announcing the true arrival of spring.

Gratefully, he lets her thread their fingers together, as he picks his way along the trail stretched in front of them. For now, he has to watch for divots or rocks. As they draw closer to the lakebed, though, he knows the ground has a tendency to be richer, marshier. Easy to sink up the heel in. ]

What, not fond of our staid neutrals? [ Kaz teases, knowing very well how she thought of the drab greys and blacks that dominated most of the city. ] Can't hurl that at Barrel, at least.

[ Not towards most of the inhabitants, anyway. Barrel flash has remained consistent, a riot of lime green or searing pink or blinding turquoise. ]

See that willow, near the shore? Used to climb it, to read in peace. Or—when I was upset with either of them. [ Usually he'd be annoyed with Jordie, who'd had a tendency to open his mouth before thinking. ] First time I did it, Da grounded me for a week for scaring him half to death. He couldn't find me, thought I'd fallen in the lake or gotten lost.