Ashura had been finding solace in the routine of caring for Svitana as the winter weather rolled in, getting the dragon horse as much exercise as he could while it was still safe to keep him out for long periods of time. When the bitter bite of winter finally claimed them, Svitana would have to spend most of his time wrapped in blankets and in the warmth of the stables. It was work that demanded his attention, kept his attention away, let him drift through other rivers of thought.

It left him sweaty though, a bit tired, the dragon horse frisky in the still clear weather. He had come in and out through the lobby doors to many times to count, pushing it open a simple muscle reflex as he basked in the heat of his worked muscles.

What was not normal were two things: water, and that scream.

He jerked up, recognizing the timber of it, because how could he not? And while the pain of what had happened - what? A month ago? More? - still burned in his soul, he was not so cruel as to leave Felix floundering in his own terror. And more than some, he was better equipped to deal with Felix simply through knowledge of him. So he hurried across the water, the short distance to Felix, grasping him in strong hands, an iron grip to keep him from flailing, a tactic Ashura rarely used on anyone.

"Felix! Felix be calm! You are in the lobby, peace! Felix!"