And Sorey, naked in waist-deep mountain-chilled water, is struck dumb.

Vahvuus had been bound to his soul just a scant few days ago but already Sorey was beginning to feel like he hadn't been living his life properly before. Trapped and training in the city, unable to wander further than its protective walls, the Abbey and Vahvuus were his way out; a way to see the world, to travel, to explore and learn and live. Whether or not there was any actual correlation, Vahvuus coming into his life was the crux of its turning point. Now he stands here as watches all of those feelings flit across the face of the malak- the person attached to his soul.

And he's the most beautiful person Sorey has ever seen.

Not just his face; not just the way his hair falls in waves, white and silver and pale icy blue like rapids, not just the way his skin is so pure and pristine or the way his lashes curl, but in the wonder on his face. The intelligence in his eyes, the way his mouth curls just slightly up as he takes in the world around him for what looks like the first time. He's stunning. He's amazing.

"Wow," Sorey mumbles, his own brand of awestruck.